Government forces on Wednesday rescued one of four crew members of fishing vessel MV FB Ramona held for months by the Abu Sayyaf group in Talipao, Sulu, a top military official said.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, identified the rescued captive as Roy Ramos.

He said a mission was conducted after receiving information from civilians about the presence of a kidnap victim in Sitio Kandabaw, Barangay Lagtoh in Talipao town.

The military immediately dispatched soldiers to the area and found the hostage in an abandoned house.

Sobejana said Ramos was in good condition despite being held captive by militants for more than 6 months.

Ramos and three other crew members were snatched by armed men while fishing in the Celebes Sea off Sulu last December.

Their boat captain, Noel Esconde, was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf in April.

Marine diesel mechanic Reyjim Rocabo and crewman Roel Liones are meanwhile still held hostage in Sulu.

The abduction was found out by their sister fishing vessel, after it lost communication. The bandits also took the boat's radio and other equipment.