Philippine police save Chinese man from militants

Philippine police say they have rescued a Chinese businessman who was held by al-Qaida-linked militants for over a year on a southern island.

Chief Inspetor Amil Banaan of Sulu provincial police says Xili Wu was rescued in a village outside Luuk township on Jolo island. He says Wu used the alias Peter Go to hide his illegal status i the country.

A Luuk police report says officers rescued Wu following a brief clash late Monday with Abu Sayyaf gunmen.

Banaan said Tuesday that Wu was seized December 2008 from an appliance store he and other relatives opened in Jolo township, the provincial capital.

Philippine security authorities say Abu Sayyaf, notorious for kidnappings and beheadings, has received funds from al-Qaida.