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Philippine militants kidnap 6 workers in volatile south

(Associated Press)

Cagayan de Oro, Philippines

Tue, April 5, 2016 Published on Apr. 5, 2016 Published on 2016-04-05T18:57:57+07:00

Filipino army soldiers march beside Armored Personnel Carriers during ceremonies at the 119th founding anniversary of the Philippine Army in suburban Taguig, south of Manila, Philippines on March 22. (AP/ Aaron Favila)

P

hilippine military officials say suspected Muslim militants have abducted six sawmill workers in a southern region where a recent military offensive killed at least 24 militants.

Army Col. Nilo Samarita says the workers were seized by the militants Monday in a far-flung village in Butig town in the predominantly Muslim province of Lanao del Sur and that the police and military were taking steps to secure their freedom.

Samarita said Tuesday it was not immediately clear what the motive was for the abduction of the Christian workers.

The largely unknown Maute group of militants staged a brazen attack on an army outpost in Butig town in February, sparking a major offensive that killed 24 militants and six soldiers, one of whom was beheaded.