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.