Philippine troops on Saturday dug up what they believe is the body of Canadian hostage Robert Hall, who was beheaded by Abu Sayyaf extremists more than two weeks ago.

Abu Sayyaf extremists on Friday freed a Filipino woman who was with two Canadian hostages beheaded by the militants in the southern Philippines after failing to get a huge ransom, officials said.

Abu Sayyaf has followed through on a promise to kill Canadian hostage John Ridsdel, who the group took hostage in the Philippines seven months ago.