(UPDATE) Leftist rebels kidnap militiamen, civilian in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Seven government militiamen and a civilian were kidnapped by members of leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) in separate incidents in Mindanao, the military said today.

Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang said the latest kidnapping incident occurred at Binicalan village in San Luis town, Agusan del Sur on Monday morning, when four militiamen were seized by the NPA rebels.

At least 30 NPA rebels seized the victims at a rebel checkpoint in the area. All   victims belonged to the Philippine Army's 23rd Infantry Battalion.

Meanwhile, three militiamen and a civilian were seized at Santa Juana village in Tagbina town in Surigao del Sur on Sunday morning.