Zamboanga del Sur, where he was released, is a short boat ride from Basilan.

WSJ: Filipino Militants Free Australian Hostage

Military officials said that Mr. Rodwell was held in recent months in the militants' jungle hideouts on Basilan Island.

WSJ: Filipino Militants Free Australian Hostage

In 2011, UNESCO supported the training of Phlippines journalists in the provinces of Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

UNESCO: Director-General concerned about the safety of journalists in the Philippines following murder of journalist Nestor Libaton | United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

He is now reported to be on southern Basilan island.

BBC: Abducted US teenager Kevin Lunsmann 'free' in Philippines

They fear a repetition of the heavy-handed and only partially successful operation by the Philippine army in April and May to free Filipinos held hostage by Abu Sayyaf on the nearby island of Basilan.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines

Reports conflict as to whether Kevin is in the care of a mayor on the island of Basilan, as reported by AFP news agency, or is in military custody, as a military spokesman told AP news agency.

BBC: Abducted US teenager Kevin Lunsmann 'free' in Philippines