A Swiss national, held by Islamist extremists for nearly three years in the southern Philippines, made a daring escape as government forces launched an offensive against the rebels, according to a New York Times report.
As the Philippine military fired artillery rounds near the jungle forest in the mountainous Patikul town in Sulu province where Lorenzo Vinciguerra was being held, the wildlife photographer, who had been abducted in February 2012 used the distraction to attack his captor.
While struggling with the Abu Sayyaf commander, identified as Juhurim Hussein, for control of his long knife, the 49-year-old wounded his left cheek.
“He wrestled with his captor to get possession of a bladed weapon,” said military spokesman Restituto Padilla, according to the report.
When he finally got a hold of the knife, Vinciguerra slashed the guard's neck and ran away.
Another militant shot and wounded the hostage during his escape, but he was later found and escorted to safety by government troops.
His companion Dutch national Ewold Horn, however, remains in Abu Sayyaf custody.
