Armed men kidnap Swiss national from Philippine beach resort

Manila: Officials say five gunmen on board three outrigger boats have abducted a Swiss national from a beach resort in southern Zamboanga city where Al Qaida-linked militants operate.

Lt. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, the regional military chief, said Monday police and navy teams are pursuing the abductors believed to have taken the Swiss - named as Charlie Riech or Rieth - to Pilas island in nearby Basilan province.

Dolorfino says the 72-year-old Swiss, has been a resident of Zamboanga for the last 40 years and owns a farm and private beach resort in Patalo village.