Reports on abducted Filipino nurses in Libya false–DFA

In this Jan. 19, 2013, file photo, Algerian special police unit officers guard the entrance of a hospital located near the gas plant where hostages have been kidnapped by Islamic militants, in Ain Amenas. AP FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said reports on Filipino nurses abducted by the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (Isis) are false.

DFA Spokesman Charles Jose said in a press conference the four medical workers were taken to safety by a Libyan friend.

The Philippine Embassy in Tripoli has confirmed the safety of the four nurses, Jose said.

CNN previously reported that members of Isis had attacked Ibn Sina Hospital in Sirte, Libya, and kidnapped 20 medical staff.

The report, quoting a hospital official, said around 30 gunmen had taken the hospital staff which were mostly from the Philippines, Ukraine, India and Serbia.