3 Koreans kidnapped in Philippines

Social Affairs

3 Koreans kidnapped in Philippines

Three Korean businessmen who have been missing on a southern island in the Philippines since late last month were confirmed to have been kidnapped by unidentified gunmen, an official from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said yesterday.

The three men, who work in the mining industry, have been missing since Oct. 21 on the Philippine island of Mindanao, and local police recently confirmed that they were being held by gunmen, the official said on the condition of anonymity.

The gunmen have demanded a ransom for the men, the official said.

“We are closely coordinating with local police officials to resolve the kidnapping,” the official said.

In 2008, Islamic rebels kidnapped a Korean businessman in the Philippines before being freed about two months later after a ransom was paid.

Yonhap