A Malaysian businessman was abducted by unidentified gunmen in a stronghold of Muslim militants in the southern Philippines, a regional military spokesman said today.

Nasaruddin Saidin, 38, was captured by about 10 gunmen Saturday in Indanan town on Jolo island, 1,000 kilometres south of Manila, an area frequented by al-Qaeda-linked rebels.

Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang said Nasaruddin, a resident of Kuala Lumpur, was reportedly engaged in trading lizards.

"The victim was already in Jolo for 10 days and seldom roams around the town," he said.

Cabangbang said police were investigating the kidnapping and determining who the kidnappers were.

Jolo is a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf rebel group, which has been blamed for the worst terrorist attacks in the Philippines and high-profile kidnappings involving foreigners.

- dpa