Chinese National Kidnapped in S.Philippines

A 24-year-old Chinese national has been kidnapped in the southern Philippine province of North Cotabato.

Police said a woman from the Chinese mainland, surnamed Ma, was about to buy some vegetables when two gunmen abducted her.

An unnamed police officer elaborated the case.

"Thirty metres away from their department store, she was grabbed, put into the car which sped away."

A Chinese diplomat, based in the central city of Cebu, confirmed that the kidnapped victim is a Chinese from the southeastern Fujian province.

Yang Fengwu, consul with the Chinese Consulate General in Cebu, said they are making efforts to ensure the safe release of the victim.

Meanwhile, a military official said that the wife of a local town mayor is currently negotiating with the kidnappers for the release of the Chinese national.
Local officials said the kidnappers are members of a notorious kidnap-for-ransom gang called "Pentagon".