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Kidnapped UK man and wife rescued after Philippines gun battle Kidnapped UK man and wife rescued after Philippines gun battle
(about 1 hour later)
A British businessman and his Filipino wife have been rescued from their abductors in the southern Philippines, the country's army has said.A British businessman and his Filipino wife have been rescued from their abductors in the southern Philippines, the country's army has said.
Allan Arthur Hyrons, 70, and wife Wilma were taken from their beach resort on the southern island of Mindanao by four armed men on 4 October. Allan and Wilma Hyrons were taken from a beach resort on Mindanao island by four armed men on 4 October.
They were freed after a gun battle with the kidnappers in the neighbouring Sulu region at about 17:00 GMT on Sunday. Their kidnappers - thought to belong to the IS-loyal militant group Abu Sayaff - fled after a gun battle in the nearby Sulu region on Sunday.
The couple were taken for medical checks after their abductors fled. UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said the couple were "safe and well".
The British Embassy in Manila thanked the Philippine authorities for carrying out the rescue. Mr Hyrons, 70, who is a dual national, has lived in Mindanao's Zamboanga del Sur region with his wife since 2013.
Mr Hyrons, who is a dual national, has lived in Mindanao's Zamboanga del Sur region with his wife since 2013. On the day they were captured, the couple had reportedly been celebrating Teachers' Day at a nearby college.
Witnesses reported seeing them being taken from a hut and dragged to a motorboat.
They were given medical checks after their ordeal ended with the operation by Philippine forces at approximately 17:00 GMT on Sunday.
Mr Raab thanked the Philippine authorities' "tremendous efforts".
"We are in particular grateful to their armed forces for their courage throughout a difficult operation which resulted in Alan and Wilma's release," he said.
"Foreign Office officials have been in close contact with Alan and Wilma's family throughout this ordeal. We request their privacy during this emotional time."
British Ambassador to the Philippines Daniel Pruce tweeted: "Fantastic news! My sincerest thanks to all involved."
The UK government advises Britons against all travel to the area where Mr Hyrons was taken.
BBC Philippines correspondent Howard Johnson says the island has "several militant groups" operating on it.BBC Philippines correspondent Howard Johnson says the island has "several militant groups" operating on it.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises Britons against all travel to the area where Mr Hyrons was taken.
In May this year a 59-year-old Dutch hostage was reportedly killed by his captors on the nearby island of Jolo.In May this year a 59-year-old Dutch hostage was reportedly killed by his captors on the nearby island of Jolo.
The Philippine army said Ewold Horn, who had been kidnapped in 2012, was shot as his captors fled a confrontation with troops.The Philippine army said Ewold Horn, who had been kidnapped in 2012, was shot as his captors fled a confrontation with troops.