ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - Hooded gunmen clad in military uniforms abducted a businesswoman in southern Philippines last night, authorities said today.
Colonel Andrelino Colina, commander of the anti-terror unit Task Force Zamboanga, said the gunmen escaped with their victim identified as Michelle Panes, 36.
Colina said the suspects also tried to kidnap Michelle's husband, Noel Adrian Panes and a bystander in Labuan village in this city. The bystander was freed while the trader's husband fought the kidnappers and managed to escape.
He said the Panes couple operates a store. Three of the armed suspects conducted a raid of the store and pretended to search for illegal drugs.
The military and police said no group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping incident.