Lorenzo Vinciguerra, a Swiss birdwatcher held in captivity for years, was able to escape Filipino Islamic extremist group Abu Sayyaf after using a guard's own machete against him.
During confusion caused by the Filipino military's shelling of the camp where he was held, Vinciguerra was able to overpower a guard and take his weapon, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported.
Before wrestling the machete away from his captor and slashing his throat, Vinciguerra had his face cut by the blade. He was shot as he ran from the camp.
"The two grappled for the machete," Col. Alan Arrojado said. "He was injured by the blade on the cheek. He managed to wrestle it and hacked Hussin."
"Apparently, [Vinciguerra] killed him [the guard]."
Luckily, the Filipino army found him soon after.
"He was wounded, but he’s well and recovering in a hospital," regional military commander Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero said.