Allan Hyrons, 70, and his Filipina wife Wilma were freed two months after they were kidnapped. Lieutenant general Cirilito Sobejana, said: “There was a brief exchange of fire, but they later abandoned the couple after being overwhelmed by pursuing government forces”. The couple are now at a military camp where they are due to have medical checkups following their ordeal.

The kidnapping sparked a massive search in the region, which is located approximately 1,500km south of the capital, Manila.

The couple were abducted by gunmen at a southern beach resort two months ago and taken to the jungle hideouts of the local militants.

They were not hurt in the gun battle and no ransom was paid.

According to witness, they were taken from a hut held at gunpoint and taken to a motorboat during the night.

The British embassy in Manila confirmed the rescue of Alan and Wilma Hyrons, saying in a statement “we extend our gratitude to the government and authorities of the Philippines”.

SEE MORE: Russian elite counter-terrorism commandoes storm terrorist cell

The extremist Abu Sayyaf group have been behind other kidnappings of foreigners in the past. 

The couple were abducted from their beach resort in neighboring Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur on the night of October 4. 

The Dutch birdwatcher Ewold Horn was kidnapped in 2012 in the south of the country and was  killed in May during a firefight between his Abu Sayyaf captors and the military. 

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It is thought that the Abu Sayyaf group is behind at least five suicide bombings in the region in the past 16 months.

They are known for carrying out kidnappings, robberies and piracies.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he has put more troops into the region to try to wipe them out.

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