Filipino police have reportedly arrested four suspected members of the militant group Abu Sayyaf, who are believed to be involved in the kidnapping of Vietnamese sailors last November.

According to various media outlets, all four suspects were arrested on Monday in the southern province of Basilan.

The militants were allegedly involved in the hijacking of a Vietnamese cargo vessel and kidnapping its six crew members for ransom on November 11.

Three of the six kidnapped sailors were executed by the Abu Sayyaf militant group earlier this month while 28-year-old Hoang Vo was rescued by Filipino troops last month after managing to escape.

Security forces are continuing the search for the remaining Vietnamese hostages in the Basilan province.