Missing U.S. sailor found in Philippines

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A U.S. Navy sailor who was missing in the Philippines after a firefight with communist guerrillas has been found, Pentagon sources told CNN.

Lt. j.g. Scott Alan Washburn of Celina, Ohio, became separated from four other sailors and their armed Filipino escorts as the group made its way down Mount Pinatubo, an active volcano that is a popular tourist attraction.

The group came under fire from guerrillas identifying themselves as soldiers of the New People's Army, the military wing of the Communist Party in the Philippines.

The four sailors and their escorts were allowed to proceed down the mountain once the Filipino escorts agreed to lay down their weapons. But Washburn, it is believed, fled into the jungle when he heard the shots fired.

He spent one night and most of the following day in the jungle before making contact with friendly Filipinos.

Pentagon sources say he was able to get in touch with the U.S. Embassy in Manila, although it's not yet clear if he has been reunited with his unit.

The sailors were part of a three-ship contingent taking part in military exercises in the Philippines.