Australian hostage thanks Philippine officials

Australian ex-soldier Warren Rodwell speaks to the press in Manila after being held hostage by Philippine Islamists for 15 months.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE) (English) RELEASED AUSTRALIAN CAPTIVE, WARREN RODWELL SAYING:<br/> <br />"There was a great sense of helplessness and hopelessness, and I'm certainly overwhelmed to know they made an effort to, and compassion has been put into this operation.|<br/> <br />Fifty-four-year-old Rodwell was released Saturday following intense negotiations and a ransom his wife raised with help from a local official.<br/> <br />Members of the militant group Abu Sayyaf kidnapped Rodwell from his home in Zamboanga city on December 5, 2011.<br/> <br />They had threatened to execute the former soldier if the ransom was not paid.<br/> <br />Police say Rodwell will be examined in hospital where he is set to recuperate for the next few days.