Unidentified gunmen seized on Monday 40 people, including 20 journalists, in the province of Maguindanao, southern Philippines.

A local radio station reported that armed men took journalists and a group of politicians who were suppose to file their certificate of candidacy at the office of the Commission on Elections in the town of Shariff Aguak.

Jenalyn, wife of Esmael Mangudadatu, mayor of Buluan town; Buluan's vice mayor and Esmael's brother Eden; and lawyers Cynthia Joquindo and Connie Bresuela were among the 40 people abducted by armed men.

Esmael, who will run for governor of Maguindanao in next year's national election, said he directed his wife and brother to file his certificate of candidacy.

Philippine authorities launched an operation to rescue the victims brought in an unknown location. The identity of the kidnappers and the motive behind the abduction remain unknown.