Philippine security forces say they have captured five suspected members of the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

The men were seized Wednesday in an early morning raid on their hideout on the southern island of Basilan. The group was believed to be holding three hostages at the hideout, but Philippine military officials say there was no sign of them after the raid.

Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for numerous terrorist attacks in the Philippines over the years, including scores of kidnappings, beheadings and bombings. The group is estimated to have as many as 400 fighters, but several of its top commanders have been captured or killed in recent years in joint military operations by Philippine and U.S. forces.