Authorities confirm reports abducted Japanese had been taken to Basilan

Manila: Authorities have confirmed reports that a 63-year-old Japanese kidnapped in Sulu in July has been moved by his abductors to Basilan.

Toshio Ito, also known as Katayama Mamaito, was reportedly transferred to a new location by his abductors in a bid to foil a planned rescue attempt, according to Basilan Vice- Governor Al Rasheed Sakkalalul.

Sakkalahul said that he had sent personnel to Sumisip and Tipo-Tipo to search for the victim.

Officials have yet to ascertain the location of Ito who, according to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's website, converted to Islam six years ago

Ito arrived in Sulu from Marawi, a predominantly Muslim city in Southern Philippines.

The kidnap victim is purportedly a herbal medicine practitioner and runs a small shop in Bangkilay, Panguntaran town, Sulu. He was popular with the locals, who referred to him as "Doctor Amir".

On July 16, a group of about 10 armed men abducted him and took him to an undisclosed location. Little had been heard concerning his whereabouts since, until the report that he had been moved.