Armed men kidnapped three grade school teachers in waters off Zamboanga Sibugay province in Mindanao Friday afternoon.

Initial police reports identified the three as Joceyn Asuelo Inion, 39; Noemi Navales Mandi, 39; and Jocelyn Enriquez, 42.

Police said the three, along with co-teacher Arquiza Jumanwan Yusop, conducted classes as Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School in Naga town, Zamboanga Sibugay before being fetched by their regular boat driver Tajir Abdurahim at around 4 p.m.

Armed bandits onboard a boat then pursued the teachers' banca about a kilometer from shore, prompting the boat driver to jump overboard.

Yusop said the armed group was able to take contol of the banca and ordered the teachers to transfer to their boat.

She said she was left behind when one of the abductors said that the Muslim teacher will be spared.

The group, along with the abducted teachers, sped off, leaving her behind.

Authorities have formed Task Force Bangkaw to investigate the incident.

Police said unidentified armed men on board a pumpboat at Sibuguey Bay eluded capture after firing at pursuing police operatives.

Senior Superintendent Federico Castro said they were able to push back the suspects to barangay Cayantana in Naga town.

An official of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) earlier expressed concern over the surge of kidnappings in the southern Philippines, which he said could derail the peace process.

At least 10 people including International Red Cross workers Mary Jean Lacaba, Eugenio Vagni and Andreas Notter are being held by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu and Basilan.