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June 15th, 2013 
FREED Australian hostage Warren Rodwell did not think he would live to celebrate his 55th birthday today.
But speaking in detail for the first time about his ordeal since he was freed by kidnappers in the Philippines, the former Australian soldier told news.com.au that he has “pulled up pretty well” and is ready for a fourth marriage.
‘I’m so innocent says Darren Rodwell’s wife
“At the moment I’m still alive and, all things considered, I’m quite functional,” he said.
Warren Rodwell, today celebrates his 55th birthday, almost 3 months after being released as a hostage of Islamic militants in the Southern Philippines. Pic Mark Calleja
“The main part of the physical suffering was the hunger but I’ve pulled up pretty well.
“I’m back to my original weight now so I’ve put on about 30kg. In fact I’m getting a bit chubby.”
Feature: Warren Rodwell’s kidnapping, release and thereafter in his own words
Less than three months after his traumatic ordeal ended, Mr Rodwell has opened up about the realisation that he had been kidnapped, how he stayed alive under constant threat of beheading and firing squad, and his eventual release in March on his dead mother’s birthday.
Love took Warren Rodwell to the Philippines
The father-of-three was abducted at gunpoint from his home in Ipil by five Abu Sayyaf guerillas dressed as policemen on December 5, 2011.
Warren Rodwell celebrates his 55th birthday almost 3 months after being released as a hostage of Islamic militants in the Southern Philippines. Picture: Mark Calleja
He spent 15 months hiding in the jungle with his captors, who were part of the al-Qaida linked Islamic extremist group, before finally being freed in exchange for a $94,600 ransom.
Captor’s death foiled Warren Rodwell’s escape plan
His release sparked an investigation into the source of the ransom, which was originally set at $US2 million, because the Australian and Philippine governments have strict no-ransom policies.
Warren Rodwell gives a statement as he arrives at Manila International Airport on March 25, 2013 after he was released by his Islamic militant kidnappers on March 23. AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS
But Mr Rodwell told news.com.au the cash was raised solely by his siblings Denise Capello and Wayne Rodwell, who he was working out how to repay.
The adventurer, who spent most of the last decade living in China, praised the Australian Government’s quiet commitment to his case.
“When I did get released and realised how much effort had been put into everything by the federal government, that was all quite overwhelming,” he said.
An x-ray Warren Rodwell’s hand showing where he was shot in the right hand. Picture: Mark Calleja
“At this (US) military base in Zamboanga, there was a team that the federal government and the embassy had put together right from the beginning. There was DFAT, federal police and the army.
“The US Army was very good. As soon as the embassy approached … they gave them office space at the hospital camp, they provided helicopters and did everything they could.”
Warren Rodwell overwhelmed, thankful for freedom
Australian Warren Rodwell, in a new proof-of-life photo issued by kidnappers in the Philippines. Picture: Facebook
Mr Rodwell, who was born in Sydney and grew up in Tamworth, was building a house in the Philippines and planning early retirement when he was abducted.
He has now ruled out returning to one of the most dangerous places in the world for westerners.
This month he filed for a divorce from his young Filipino wife Miraflor Gutang, who he refused to see after his release.
Australian hostage Warren Rodwell recovers after being released by militants following 15 months in captivity. Picture: AP
Ms Gutang, 28, remains in her home country.
“The divorce is going ahead,” he said.
“This is my third marriage. I’ve got room to fit another marriage in in my life. I’m thinking caucasian.”
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