Gunmen seize 75 hostages in Philippines
source: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34358207/ns/world_news-asiapacific/
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Armed mountain tribesmen seized about 75 hostages, including elementary school students and teachers, from a village in the southern Philippines, officials said.
Police told Reuters that 18 of the prisoners were later freed, including 17 children.
Earlier, Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. of Agusan del Sur province said 19 gunmen entered the isolated hamlet of San Martin on Thursday, a day after authorities chased them away from a nearby village.
He said police were pursuing the gunmen, who appeared to be using the hostages as human shields to escape.
Army Lieutenant-General Raymundo Ferrer told Reuters that troops had been sent to the area to help rescue the hostages. He described the armed men as a group of "bandits" blamed for several robberies and killings in the area.
"We are not aware of any political demands but negotiations are now ongoing," Ferrer added.
Last month, 57 people in an election convoy were massacred in southern Maguindanao province, which has been placed under martial law.
Police told Reuters that 18 of the prisoners were later freed, including 17 children.
Earlier, Vice Gov. Santiago Cane Jr. of Agusan del Sur province said 19 gunmen entered the isolated hamlet of San Martin on Thursday, a day after authorities chased them away from a nearby village.
He said police were pursuing the gunmen, who appeared to be using the hostages as human shields to escape.
Army Lieutenant-General Raymundo Ferrer told Reuters that troops had been sent to the area to help rescue the hostages. He described the armed men as a group of "bandits" blamed for several robberies and killings in the area.
"We are not aware of any political demands but negotiations are now ongoing," Ferrer added.
Last month, 57 people in an election convoy were massacred in southern Maguindanao province, which has been placed under martial law.
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tayomismoweb
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http://tayomismo.com Sikat ang Pinoy. Let's all help the typhoon victims!! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! Merry Christmas to all.
- 2 years ago
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