Australian hostage thanks Philippine officials
- 11 years ago
Australian ex-soldier Warren Rodwell speaks to the press in Manila after being held hostage by Philippine Islamists for 15 months.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) RELEASED AUSTRALIAN CAPTIVE, WARREN RODWELL SAYING:
"There was a great sense of helplessness and hopelessness, and I'm certainly overwhelmed to know they made an effort to, and compassion has been put into this operation.|
Fifty-four-year-old Rodwell was released Saturday following intense negotiations and a ransom his wife raised with help from a local official.
Members of the militant group Abu Sayyaf kidnapped Rodwell from his home in Zamboanga city on December 5, 2011.
They had threatened to execute the former soldier if the ransom was not paid.
Police say Rodwell will be examined in hospital where he is set to recuperate for the next few days.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) RELEASED AUSTRALIAN CAPTIVE, WARREN RODWELL SAYING:
"There was a great sense of helplessness and hopelessness, and I'm certainly overwhelmed to know they made an effort to, and compassion has been put into this operation.|
Fifty-four-year-old Rodwell was released Saturday following intense negotiations and a ransom his wife raised with help from a local official.
Members of the militant group Abu Sayyaf kidnapped Rodwell from his home in Zamboanga city on December 5, 2011.
They had threatened to execute the former soldier if the ransom was not paid.
Police say Rodwell will be examined in hospital where he is set to recuperate for the next few days.