3 Abu Sayyaf hostages freed in Philippines

23 Filipinos, 3 Americans have not been freed

Troops still have to rescue more than two dozen Abu Sayyaf hostages

MANILA, Philippines (CNN) -- Two of the three Filipino hostages released by the Muslim extremist group Abu Sayyaf; Kimberly Jao Uy and Francis Ganzon; arrived in Manila, Philippines, late Saturday afternoon after 21 days in captivity.

That leaves 23 Filipinos and three Americans who have not been released. A spokesman for the group said earlier this week it beheaded one of the Americans, Guillermo Sobero of Corona, California, but that claim has not been verified.

Jao and Ganzon had been part of a group kidnapped May 27 from a western Philippine resort by the Muslim separatist group Abu Sayyaf.

VIDEO As Arroyo calls the Abu Sayyaf 'people without souls,' there are reports of more fighting. CNN's John Raedler is in Manila (June 13) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) The wife of the man the Abu Sayyaf claim to have killed talks about her ordeal (June 12) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)   IN-DEPTH Abu Sayyaf: Militants in the Philippines Background Interview script Incident map Message board    COUNTRY PROFILE At a glance: Philippines Provided by CountryWatch.com    CNN.com Asia More news from our Asia edition

The third captive, Islamic cleric Mohaimin Latip, who was held hostage after walking into the Abu Sayyaf's camp as an unofficial negotiator, chose to remain in his home province of Basilan.

Presidential spokesman Rigoberto Tiglao said the three walked for two days through the jungles of Basilan before reaching the town of Isabela. They then proceeded to the home of an influential resident who knows President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The president was informed of the release late Friday night and arrangements were made to have the hostages flown home.

Tiglao said the hostages are in good health and happy to be reunited with their families after "going through hell."

In a brief meeting with Arroyo, the hostages thanked the president for her concern for the hostages. Tiglao added, "they understand the government's stance on the Abu Sayyaf," and are grateful for the help extended to them.

Military operations continue against the Abu Sayyaf and Arroyo's order not to negotiate or to pay ransom for the release of the hostages still stands.

It is unclear who negotiated for the release of the hostages and if ransom was paid to the kidnappers, as earlier reports stated. Tiglao said the government is trying to confirm these reports.