JOLO, Philippines—Islamic militants linked to the Al-Qaeda network abducted two women who were selling cosmetics in Sulu province, police and government officials said on Friday.

The two women, a mother and her daughter, were seized by members of the Abu Sayyaf extremist group in Parang town on Thursday, said Amilbahar Amilasan, a special undersecretary in charge of the southern Philippines.

The gunmen, led by Commander Albader Parad, fled to a forested area in Jolo which was last used as a hiding place by Abu Sayyaf members after they seized popular television presenter Cecilia Drilon and two TV crew members in June. That group was later released reportedly after a hefty ransom was paid.

The Abu Sayyaf, a small group of militants founded with money provided by Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the early 1990s, have been blamed for the country's worst terrorist attacks as well as kidnappings of western tourists and Christians.