Philippine Troops Free Kidnapped American

Philippine troops Wednesday rescued a kidnapped American businessman who had been chained by his neck and feet for 22 days, Philippine and U.S. officials said.

Alastair Joseph Onglingswan, 35, was rescued in a house in Bacoor, south of Manila, by a government anti-kidnapping force and military intelligence agents, officials said.

A suspect was arrested and was being interrogated, officials said.

Onglingswan, looking dazed and wearing a thin beard, met and thanked President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for his rescue. He was abducted Jan. 20, but his disappearance was not reported.

“I have all my body parts. Glad to be here, really grateful and touched by the support of Filipinos and Americans,” he told reporters.

U.S. Embassy spokeswoman Karen Kelley welcomed Onglingswan’s rescue by Philippine authorities but did not provide other details.

Angelo Reyes, who heads the anti-kidnapping force, described Onglingswan as a businessman who was thinking of investing in the Philippines.

Onglingswan was abducted in Manila while in a taxi on his way to a gym, officials said.

Arroyo has ordered a crackdown on kidnappings, which have scared away investors and tourists. She has also lifted a moratorium on the death penalty for convicted kidnappers and drug traffickers, although none has been executed.