Rebels seize Philippine mayor, kill soldier

Published November 17, 2014

The military says communist rebels have kidnapped the mayor of a southern Philippine town. The guerrillas ambushed pursuing soldiers, killing one.

The abduction comes as the government holds talks with the New People's Army to end one of Asia's longest-running insurgency.

Military spokesman Maj. Eugenio Osias says rebels in two vans seized Mayor Henry Dano of Surigao del Sur province's Lingig township from his home early Saturday. The gunmen were disguised as National Bureau of Investigation agents.

He says the guerrillas ambushed responding troops, killing one and wounding five.

The motive for the kidnapping was unclear. Rebels have occasionally abducted officials over the 42-year insurgency for trial in "people's courts" for alleged wrongdoings.

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