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Manila: Islamist militant rebels abducted a teacher in Sulu, a southern Philippine island on Tuesday, a belated police report said on Wednesday.
Mullong Marrack, 60, acting education supervisor for Maimbung, was the only one who was not released by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) after the latter detained several passengers of a vehicle that was flagged down in Labbah Village, Maibung, on morning, said Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the police director of Sulu.
The teachers were on their way to a conference, said Kasim.
The leader of the ASG involved in the abduction was identified as Gafur Jumdail. The police were still looking into the motive of the kidnappers, said Kasim.
Meanwhile, Jumdail has demanded a ransom in exchange for Marrack's release, said Amilbahar Amilasan, Presidential Peace Adviser for Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
US list
Relatives are now negotiating for Marrack's release, said Amilasan, but did not say how much was Jumdail's ransom demand.
There were reports that the kidnap victim was being kept in Mt Bulabog, Maimbung, said Amilasan.
Jumdail is the younger brother of Gumbahali Jumdail, a high profile ASG leader who is also known as Doctor Abu.
Being one of the most wanted ASG leaders, Abu is on the US list of the world's most wanted terrorists.
Meanwhile, the US Embassy said on its website that the ASG could be plotting to kidnap Americans and other foreigners in Zamboanga, a southern port city.
"The US Embassy has received information that extremist elements may be planning to kidnap Americans or other foreigners at hotels or other public places in the Zamboanga City area," said the US Embassy's message.
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