Asia-Pacific

Gunmen seize 40 people in southern Philippines

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-11-23 14:35

DAVAO CITY, the Philippines: Unidentified gunmen seized on Monday 40 people, including 20 journalists, in the province of Maguindanao, southern Philippines.

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A local radio station reported that militants took journalists and a group of politicians who were supposed to file their certificate of candidacy at the office of the Commission on Elections in the town of Shariff Aguak.  

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.
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