12 female teachers, pupils abducted in Lanao

MANILA, Philippines - Twelve teachers and students were abducted Tuesday in Kolambugan town, Lanao del Norte, a radio report said. The same report, posted by Bombo Radyo on its website, said that government troops have started a search for teachers and students who were abducted by unidentified armed men just as they were about to start classes at the Barangay San Roque Elementary School. Col. Edwin Respicio, commander of the Army's 32nd Infantry Battalion, said the men abducted only female students and teachers. "Male pupils were left behind as the armed men fled with the victims on foot," he said in an interview. - GMANews.TV