Manila: The Philippine military said Abu Sayyaf militants are suspected of kidnapping four Filipino fishermen in the latest such attack by the ransom-seeking gunmen despite increased security in the southern region.
Other fishermen found the F/B Ramona 2 fishing boat yesterday in the Celebes Sea but its skipper, mechanic and two crewmen and the boat's radio and GPS equipment were missing, regional military spokesman Major Filemon Tan said.
"Troops were alerted to look for the missing fishermen who may have been taken to nearby Sulu province, where militants are holding other hostages."
