Suspected militants kidnap businessman in Jolo

MANILA, Philippines – Suspected al-Qaida-linked militants abducted a businessman in the southern Philippines in the latest kidnapping by the group, police said.

Police Chief Inspector Randell Bueno said seven gunmen seized 62-year-old gas station owner Carlos Ty from his residence late Saturday in Jolo township on Jolo island, where the militant Abu Sayyaf group operates.

Bueno said the gunmen escaped on a vehicle similar to one used by the Abu Sayyaf in previous kidnappings. Police are in pursuit of the gunmen in a mountainous area in nearby Indanan township.

The Abu Sayyaf is notorious for kidnappings, beheadings and bombings and is on the U.S. list of terrorist groups.

The group is believed to be currently holding Australian, Malaysian, Japanese and Indian nationals in their jungle hideouts in the south.