MANILA, April 21 (Xinhua) -- A soldier was abducted by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in southern Philippines on Thursday, the military said.
The Philippine local media reported that the Western Mindanao Command identified the soldier's name is Anni Siraji and he has been helping the government in the peace and development efforts in Sulu province.
The military said Siraji was snatched by seven armed men believed to be the members of the Abu Sayyaf. A platoon of soldiers was immediately dispatched to look for Siraji, while security checkpoints were also put up in areas where the terrorists might take him.
Abu Sayyaf is one of the smallest and most violent terror groups operating in southern Philippines notorious for kidnappings, bombings and attacking civilians and the army.
