MANILA (REUTERS) - Islamist militants have freed an Indonesian captive on a remote island in the southern Philippines, an army commander said on Thursday (Sept 22), days after six hostages were turned over to a rebel group which signed a peace deal with the government.

Herman bin Manggak was released by the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf on Wednesday to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and was turned over to the army the following day, said army brigade commander Brigadier-General Arnek dela Vega.

"The release of the victim is the result of relentless focused military operations, combined with efforts of different sectors, particularly the local government unit of Sulu and other stakeholders," dela Vega told reporters.

Dela Vega said they had no information on whether ransom was paid for the release although it is widely believed that no captives are freed by the Abu Sayyaf without payment.

The 30-year-old captive asked for food and was in high spirits after arriving at an army base on Thursday, an army spokesman said.

Last week, the Abu Sayyaf, known for kidnappings, extortion and beheadings in the south of the mainly Catholic Philippines, freed a three Indonesians, two Filipinos and a Norwegian on the island of Jolo.

The Norwegian was seized from an upscale resort on Samal island in Davao del Norte along with a Filipina, who had already been freed, and two Canadians, whom the militants executed.

The militants are still holding 15 hostages - five Indonesians, five Malaysians, four Filipinos and a Dutch national.