Officials in the Philippines say a Muslim rebel leader suspected of organisisng a number of kidnappings on the southern island of Mindanao has been arrested.

The officials say Angoling Sali -- who heads a splinter group of the Moro National Liberation Front -- was captured during a raid by security forces on his home in Basilan province.

A police spokesman said Mr Sali's group is believed to have carried out at least six recent kidnappings in Mindanao, including that of an Italian missionary who has since been freed.