(VOVworld) - Abu Sayyaf , an Islamic State-linked rebel group in the Philippines, has freed two Filipinos held captive for nearly three months.

Filipino military force in a campaign to sweep away Abu Sayyaf rebels in Jolo, Mindanao (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

According to a military source on Thursday, this was the second release in less than a week by the rebel group. It was unclear if a ransom was paid but the military said its intensified operations against the heavily armed Abu Sayyaf group likely forced it to release the captives.