Four kidnapped in the Philippines

Four kidnapped in the Philippines

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (UPI): Four farmers were kidnapped in
the southern Philippines by unidentified members of a militant
rebel group, police said yesterday.

Police said members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
allegedly abducted the farmers late Tuesday in Zamboanga del Sur,
some 490 miles (784 km) south of Manila, while the four were
heading home.

Reports said the hostages were taken to a nearby forest, where
soldiers have concentrated their rescue efforts.

The MILF recently waged war against government forces in
Zamboanga del Norte, 470 miles (752 km) south of Manila, killing
seven people including four civilians.

Earlier, Philippine President Fidel Ramos ordered the
deployment of additional marine battalions to curb the rampant
kidnapping incidents in the area.

Kidnapping in the southern Philippines has become widespread
in the past three years. While military reported only five
incidents in 1995, a non-government organization recorded 33
cases.

Police reports indicate at least 50 abduction incidents in the
south since 1991, with kidnappers raking in an estimated 100
million pesos (US$3.81 million) in ransom.