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Kidnapped businesswoman rescued in Philippines, 5 gunmen killed

Manila - Philippine police rescued a businesswoman abducted by terrorists in the south of the country early on Thursday, killing five of the kidnappers, the military said.

The victim was seized by at least seven members of the Abu Sayyaf group from her home in Siasi, a village in the island province of Sulu late Wednesday, said Colonel Allan Arrojado, commander of the military's Joint Task Group Sulu.

The 48-year-old was injured in the rescue in Parang, on another island around 50 kilometres to the north, and taken to hospital.

Her husband took part in the operation, killing one of the kidnappers, while the couple's son was wounded.

Abu Sayyaf is holding several local hostages in Sulu including Dutch national Elwood Horn, one of two European wildlife photographers seized in 2012.

Horn's companion, Swiss citizen Lorenzo Vinciguerra, escaped last year.

The Abu Sayyaf is also reportedly holding the mayor of Naga, a town in Zamboanga Sibugay province, who was abducted last month.

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