Two Chinese nationals were kidnapped by alleged members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group operating in southern Philippines, on Thursday night in the Southern Philippine town of Basilan.

The victims were identified as 45-year-old Dina Lim Irahama and her 19-year-old daughter Yahong Lim Tam. The two were abducted from a karaoke bar in Isabela City, Basilan, the local police said.

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Police Chief Superintendent Albert Larubis said there were a total of 10 men who abducted the two Chinese nationals on Thursday night. Larubis said the two were held at gunpoint at around 9:35 pm.

Larubis said that Dina is married to a Filipino and that her daughter is from her first marriage. The two were abducted from a family-owned KTV bar in Magno Extension.

Furthermore, the police chief said that the victims struggled while they were taken by the bandits, as reported by witnesses.

The suspects fled towards Malamawi Island after dragging the two victims in the wharf where a twin-engine boat was waiting.

Philippines authorities launched a pursuit operation to locate the whereabouts of the suspects and the two Chinese national victims.

Local authorities suspected Abu Sayyaf group members Puruji Indama and Nurhassan Jamiri to have led the kidnapping of the two Chinese victims.

Indama's group has been subjected to a military operation from last month after being blamed for most kidnapping cases in Basilan.

Earlier this month, Chinese and German hostages were also abducted by the group.

The Chinese victim was identified as Yang Zailin, who works as a fish farm manager in Sabah. The 34-year-old Yang was abducted, together with a Filipino resort worker and was taken to the Philippines, by the terrorist group.

TagsAbu Sayyaf, Basilan, Chinese nationals, Puruji Indama, Nurhassan Jamiri, Dina Lim Irahama, Yahong Lim Tam