(UPDATE) Abu Sayyaf militants free child hostage in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The terrorist group Abu Sayyaf released yesterday an 8-year-old girl whom they kidnapped more than three months ago in southern Philippines, a military official said today.

Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the child was found at the Jolo wharf in Jolo town, Sulu province.

Cabunoc said the child was snatched by four armed men from a store in her hometown Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay province, on July 25 last year. She was later brought to Sulu province, a known bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf.

The Philippine military said the child was released due to the ongoing law enforcement operation against the militants. The military operation was launched on October 17, the same day the Abu Sayyaf released two German captives.

Military officials said the terrorist group is currently holding nine hostages, including two European wildlife photographers who were nabbed in Tawi-Tawi province in February 2012.