video transcript

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED MOBILE PHONE VIDEO An Australian hostage has been released in the Philippines, 15 months after being taken captive. Warren Rodwell was freed by rebels of the Abu Sayyaf group before dawn on Saturday (March 23). He says he was put in a boat and told to paddle ashore for help. Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard welcomed the news and thanked local officials for their help. SOUNDBITE: (English) AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER JULIA GILLARD SAYING: "I do want to pay tribute to the government of the Philippines and their agencies and personnel who have worked so hard to secure Mr Rodwell's release, including particularly those who combat kidnapping in the Philippines for the Philippines Government, they have done some remarkable work." In 2011, Rodwell was kidnapped from his home in the southern Philippines by rebels posing as policemen. They demanded two million dollars for his release. It's not known whether any ransom has been paid.