Manila, Dec 9 (DPA) Suspected Muslim militants freed seven construction workers they seized a week ago on a southern Philippine island, a regional military spokesperson said Tuesday.First Lieutenant Esteffani Cacho said the victims were released unharmed Monday in Tuburan town in Basilan province, 900 km south of the capital Manila.

Cacho said the hostages were turned over to the emissaries of Lamitan town Mayor Roderick Furigay, who negotiated for their release.

No ransom was paid for the release of the hostages who were undergoing debriefing in a military camp in Basilan, according to Cacho.

The construction workers were seized on Dec 2 while hauling beach sand in the town of Mohammad Ajul.

The kidnappers were believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf, the smallest but most violent Muslim rebel group in the southern Philippines.

The militants have been blamed for deadly terrorist attacks in the country.