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/8405209.stm

The article has changed 12 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Philippines gunmen seize students Philippines gunmen seize students
(20 minutes later)
Armed men have abducted dozens of students and a teacher in the southern Philippines, officials say. Armed bandits have abducted dozens of students and teachers in the southern Philippines, officials say.
A military spokesman said 65 people had been seized at a school in Agusan del Sur province on Mindanao island.A military spokesman said 65 people had been seized at a school in Agusan del Sur province on Mindanao island.
Officials are reportedly trying to negotiate the release of the hostages from up to 20 gunmen, who were described as bandits. Police later said 18 hostages - 17 of them children and one teacher - had been freed by the gunmen, who were described as a criminal gang.
There is no indication it is linked to unrest on the other side of Mindanao, where 57 people were killed last month. A BBC correspondent says there is no sign it is linked to a massacre on Mindanao of 57 people last month.
Thursday's kidnappings took place in an area where communist rebels are known to operate. The BBC's Rachel Harvey in Jakarta says there is a significant amount of lawlessness in the southern Philippines.
But it is not known if the incident near the town of Prosperidad on the eastern coast of Mindanao is related to the four-decades long insurgency. Thursday's kidnappings took place in an area where communist rebels are known to operate, although it is not known if the incident is related to the four-decades long insurgency.
Army spokesman Maj Michelle Anayron told AFP news agency a "criminal gang" was responsible. The abductions are not thought to be linked to a Muslim separatist insurgency elsewhere on Mindanao; those insurgents are currently in peace talks with the government.
Army spokesman Maj Michelle Anayron told AFP news agency a "criminal gang" was responsible for the abductions near the town of Prosperidad on Mindanao's eastern coast.
Agusan del Sur Vice-Governor Santiago Cane told AP news agency 19 bandits fleeing the authorities had seized the residents to use as human shields.Agusan del Sur Vice-Governor Santiago Cane told AP news agency 19 bandits fleeing the authorities had seized the residents to use as human shields.
Are you in the area? Send us your comments.Are you in the area? Send us your comments.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions