Manila – Nine armed men on Saturday evening abducted 3 crew members, including the captain,  of a tugboat at the vicinity of Siocon Bay, Zamboanga del Norte, police confirmed Sunday.

The suspects, who were on board 3 pump boats, forcibly boarded MT Marinero and barge Salvmar 11 past 11 p.m., said Chief Supt. Angelo Sunglao.

They kidnapped Capt. Felipe Miranda, chief mate Cecelio Layasan and chief engineer Radsie Magtanong, Sunglao confirmed.

They also took the crew's personal belongings, including radio and cellphones, as well as their provisions.

Reports said the armed men told other crew members that they would bring the hostages to the town proper and contact the owner of the tugboat.

Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) regional director Basiruddin Adil said the tugboat has been registered in Cebu City and it is owned and operated by Visayas Sealink.

Adil said the three abducted officials might be natives of Cebu.

As of posting time, authorities have no information about the status and the whereabouts of the hostages.

Police and the Philippine Coast Guard have launched operations to pursue the suspects and rescue the hostages.

The Coast Guard also alerted other boats to take precautionary measures and report to authorities any suspicious movement of vessels. -Leila Vicente and RJ Rosalado,  ABS-CBN Zamboanga.