(UPDATE) Suspected leftist rebels kidnap 2 soldiers in Bukidnon

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Suspected members of the leftist rebel group New People's Army (NPA) abducted two soldiers in southern Philippines, a military official said today.

First Lieutenant Norman Tagros, civil military operations officer of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Battalion, said a massive military operation has been launched after it was confirmed that the two soldiers were kidnapped in Buntungon village, Impasug-ong town in Bukidnon province on Aug. 22.

Tagros said Private First Class Jerrel Yorong and Marnel Cinches, both detailed with the battalion, were aboard a motorcycle when they were intercepted by four armed men, wearing bonnets. The two were set to rejoin their team to undertake "peace and development activities" in the area.

"The two were on civilian clothes and were not armed because they were undertaking peace and development activities," he said.

Tagros said Yorong and Cinches were initially reported as missing. The military confirmed their abduction last Wednesday and found that they are being held by a group of NPA rebels led by Lorna Pekabalyo and Noel Gabuki.

He said the NPA's spokesman in North Central Mindanao Region Alan Juanito also admitted that the rebel group is checking if the two "prisoners of war" committed "crimes against the people."