Rebels of the Abu Sayyaf group kidnapped Lorenzo Vinciguerra, 49, in the southern Philippines more than two years ago.

Vinciguerra made a grab for his guard's machete during a clash between troops and the rebels, Colonel Allan Arrojado, commander of the army's Joint Task Group on the island of Sulu, told reporters by mobile phone text message.

The Swiss man was wounded on his left cheek as he wrestled for the machete, finally getting hold of it and slashing the guard on the neck, Arrojado said.

"He dashed while other bandits were shooting at him," Arrojado said.