MILF gunmen kidnap trader for helping troops

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) fighters kidnapped a Muslim trader on suspicion that he was aiding troops against the separatist rebel group in the southern Philippines, the military said yesterday.

The Southern Command said MILF gunmen seized Kagui Piang Eskak after storming his house in the village of Kitango in Maguindanao's Ampatuan town late on Friday.

It said the rebels, led by Aminil Umbra, demanded P200,000 from the victim's family as "blood money." Umbra accused the trader of passing off information to the military about the MILF, which is fighting for independence in the southern Philippines.

But MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu denied the military reports, saying, his group was not involved in any kidnapping for money.

"We deny the reports and the MILF has no involvements with any kidnapping or whatsoever. We are strictly observing a cease-fire agreement with the Philippine government," Kabalu told reporters by phone from his hideout in Maguindanao province.

Troops last week tightened security in Ampatuan town after eight people were killed and 11 others wounded in fierce fighting between military and rebel forces in Kitango village.

The military said MILF forces attacked soldiers and policemen investigating the killing by rebels of a government militia in the village. Four rebels were killed in the fighting between policemen and MILF forces.