This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7887537.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Sri Lankan in Philippines kidnap Sri Lankan in Philippines kidnap
(about 2 hours later)
A Sri Lankan peace advocate has been taken from his home by nine armed men in the south of the Philippines.A Sri Lankan peace advocate has been taken from his home by nine armed men in the south of the Philippines.
Omar Jalil, 36, was based in Lamitan on Basilan Island for the nonpartisan group Nonviolent Peaceforce, which has been monitoring the Muslim insurgency.Omar Jalil, 36, was based in Lamitan on Basilan Island for the nonpartisan group Nonviolent Peaceforce, which has been monitoring the Muslim insurgency.
Militants are holding three teachers and a clerk on Basilan, and three Red Cross workers on nearby Jolo Island.Militants are holding three teachers and a clerk on Basilan, and three Red Cross workers on nearby Jolo Island.
The kidnap of Mr Jalil was seen as surprising by locals as he was described as a Muslim preacher.The kidnap of Mr Jalil was seen as surprising by locals as he was described as a Muslim preacher.
Lamitan city mayor Roderick Furigay told reporters that Mr Jalil had stayed on the island after other members of his group had left. Lamitan city mayor Roderick Furigay told reporters that Mr Jalil had stayed on the island after other members of his group left.
"We are surprised the gunmen did not spare him for being a Muslim religious leader," Mr Furigay was quoted as saying."We are surprised the gunmen did not spare him for being a Muslim religious leader," Mr Furigay was quoted as saying.
The Filipino caretaker at Mr Jalil's house managed to escape the gunmen and is reported to be helping troops search nearby jungles.The Filipino caretaker at Mr Jalil's house managed to escape the gunmen and is reported to be helping troops search nearby jungles.
Wave of kidnapsWave of kidnaps
The recent upsurge in kidnappings has been attributed by some analysts to the Abu Sayyaf Group of armed gangmen, renowned for high profile kidnappings in which large ransoms are demanded. The recent upsurge in kidnappings has been attributed by some analysts to the Abu Sayyaf Group of armed militants, renowned for high profile kidnappings in which large ransoms are demanded.
Philippine troops have been trying to reach the area on Jolo Island where the three Red Cross workers - Eugenio Vagni, Mary Jean Lacaba and Andreas Notter - have been held since they were grabbed on 15 January.Philippine troops have been trying to reach the area on Jolo Island where the three Red Cross workers - Eugenio Vagni, Mary Jean Lacaba and Andreas Notter - have been held since they were grabbed on 15 January.
Earlier this week, clashes occurred in which the military says two militants were killed and nine marines wounded.Earlier this week, clashes occurred in which the military says two militants were killed and nine marines wounded.
Brigadier General Gaudencio Pangilinan said the hostages were believed to be unhurt.Brigadier General Gaudencio Pangilinan said the hostages were believed to be unhurt.
In phone calls and a radio broadcast last week, the hostages have asked for a negotiated solution to their plight. In phone calls and a radio broadcast last week, the hostages asked for a negotiated solution to their plight.