Swiss aid worker rescued in Philippines

Philippine officials say a Red Cross worker from Switzerland has been rescued from al-Qaida-linked militants on a southern island three months after he and two other volunteers were kidnapped.

Sulu provincial police chief Julasirim Kasim said Andreas Notter, 38, was freed by police in Indanan township as the militants holding him tried to break through a security cordon thrown around an area believed to be a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.

Mr Notter’s release leaves Italian Eugenio Vagni, 62, still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf militants. Filipino volunteer Mary Jean Lacada was released earlier.