Ten Indonesians seized from a tugboat on March 26 have been released by Islamist militants in strife-torn southern Philippines after ransom was paid by their company on April 29.

The hostages were ferrying coal from Jakarta to Manila when they were captured near the Malaysian border.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that the hostages were dropped off in front of the house of Sulu governor Abdulsakar Mahail around noon on Sunday by the Abu Sayyaf gang after a ransom of US$1.42 million was paid.

The hostages were freed after Abu Sayyaf gang beheaded Canadian John Ridsdel, 68, former mining executive and journalist on April 25.

Another Canadian, four other Indonesians, for Malaysians, a Norwegian and a Dutchman are believed to be still being held by the militants.

10 Indonesian hostages released by Abu Sayyaf militants - Thai PBS English News