MANILA, June 10 (Xinhua) -- An Italian priest was abducted by some armed men in the southern Philippines, an Army officer said on Sunday.

    The victim, identified as John Carlo Bossi, is a parish priest of Payao, a fourth class municipality in Zamboanga Sibugay province of Mindanao island, said Col. Godofredo Paderanga, an officer of the Philippine Army's Civil-Military Operations.

    Based on an initial report from the local authorities, Paderanga said it could be the gang members under the leadership of "Kumander Khidi" that captured Bossi at about 9:35 a.m. on Sunday at Bulawan village of Payao.

    A pursuit operation is being conducted by the Army troops, according to Paderanga.

    A German national and his Filipino wife were abducted one week ago by a militant group also in Mindanao. The couple were released safely later on to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, an influential separatist group in the south, before they were handed over to the military.