MANILA, Philippines - The kidnappers of a local trader in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, have asked for a P2-million ransom, police said Thursday.

Superintendent Cosanie Deragongan of the Lanao del Sur province said a man who claimed to be the leader of the group called up the wife of Abdulcarim Magarang and asked for the amount in exchange for the businessman's release.

Deragongan said that the caller identified himself as "Kumander Agila."

The police official said it was the first time they heard of the name Kumander Agila. He said that the kidnappers could have been using the name to avoid detection.

Magarang was abducted Tuesday morning while on board a pedicab on Ampuan Street, Barangay Lilod Madaya.

Police said Magarang is a known businessman in Marawi City. He owns a restaurant and a commercial building and also a supplier of various products. -- report from ABS-CBN Northern Mindanao