Manila  - About 30 people, including journalists, were seized Monday by armed supporters of a prominent political clan in the southern Philippines, the military said.

The hostages included the wife, sister, brother and other relatives of Vice Mayor Ibrahim Mangudadatu of Buluan town in Maguindanao province, 930 kilometres south of Manila.

Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Brawner, a military spokesman, said about 100 gunmen, believed to be supporters of the Ampatuan political family, were reported to be behind the kidnapping.

He said the armed men were reportedly led by Shariff Aguak town Mayor Datu Unsay Ampatuan, a rival of the Mangudadatu family.

Brawner said the hostages were aboard three vehicles when they were blocked by the gunmen.

He added authorities were still verifying the exact number of people aboard the three vehicles. An initial report showed that dozens of local reporters were with the group, he added.

Mangudadatu said he sent his wife, Genalyn, and siblings to file his certificate of candidacy for the post of governor of Maguindanao in elections in May.

"All of them are still missing and their mobile phones could not be contacted," he said. "As of now, we are at a loss."

Brawner said troops were dispatched to intervene and end the conflict.

Feuding groups and families in the southern region of Mindanao often settle differences through fighting. Clan wars often erupt over land disputes and political rivalry.

Elections in the Philippines are traditionally been marred by violence, despite the additional gun restrictions imposed during the campaign and polling periods. (dpa)