DAVAO CITY, the Philippines: Unidentified gunmen seized on Monday 40 people, including 20 journalists, in the province of Maguindanao, southern Philippines.
Jenalyn, wife of Esmael Mangudadatu, mayor of Buluan town; Buluan's vice mayor and Esmael's brother Eden; and lawyers Cynthia Joquindo and Connie Bresuela were among the 40 people abducted.
Esmael, who will run for governor of Maguindanao in next year's national election, said he dispatched his wife and brother to file his certificate of candidacy.