Forty civilians aboard an inter-island motor launch have been kidnapped and taken to Jolo by suspected Abu Sayyaf members, the police said. The incident occurred at 2pm on Thursday, right after the motor launch left Maluso town in Basilan, an island near Zamboanga Port City.

The motor launch was intercepted by five speedboats when it reached Tapaniana Island off Basilan, said Captain Charlemagne Batayola, Southern Command deputy spokesman. "They were brought to an unknown place, but sources said they have been brought to Jolo where the Abu Sayyaf is operating," claimed Batayola.

Earlier, the group was accused of attacking Pearl Farm resort on Samal island, off Davao del Sur, also in Mindanao, last Tuesday, but authorities later claimed pirates were responsible for the incident.

The group, which has called for the establishment of an independent Islamic state, is known for its kidnap-for-ransom activities. Most, if not all, of the hostages were believed to be Filipinos, but no details were available.