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Secure release of Italian priest, EU asks Manila

By Michaela P. del Callar

06/18/2007

The European Union (EU) has called for the safe, unconditional and immediate release of kidnap-ped Italian Catholic priest Gian-carlo Bossi and reiterated its request to the Philippine govern-ment to secure the freedom of the missionary.

“This is a tragic circumstance. I very much hope that he is found and released safe and sound as soon and as humanly as possible,” Ambassador Alistair MacDonald, head of the Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines, said.

After the prelate’s abduction, foreign governments such as Australia, United Kingdom and Canada renewed their travel advisories to the Philippines, warning of a high level of terrorist threat and kidnapping throughout the country.

Despite the reported abduction

of the 57-year-old priest, Italy said it continues to regard the Philippines as a “safe country” for tourists and for its citizens.

Both Italy and the Philippines have rejected paying any ransom for the priest.

Marine Maj Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino, for his part, also yesterday said the Italian missionary could be freed within 24 hours.

The military is “very close” in securing Bossi, he told GMA News’ Flash Report.

He, however, refused to provide more information.

“The operation might be compromised. I hope you will understand...It has to be kept confidential,” Dolorfino stressed.

Government troops have cordoned off a mountainous area in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay where the Italian priest is supposedly being held.

Reports said Bossi was seized last week by unidentified men near the coastal village of Bulawan in Zamboanga Sibugay province either after celebrating a Mass or shortly before.

Police said Bossi was then taken to a waiting boat, which sped toward a Muslim-populated area.

Self-styled Muslim Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commander Abdusalam Akiddin — also known as “Commander Kiddie,” has been identified as the likely suspect. He has reportedly denied involvement in the abduction.

The Italian priest has worked as a missionary in the area for the past 10 years for the Rome-based Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions, his superior Fr. Gianni Sandalo has said.

Bossi is the second Italian priest to be kidnapped in the Zamboanga Peninsula in six years.

In October 2001, Fr. Giussepe Pierantoni was kidnapped by members of the Pentagon kidnap-for-ransom gang in the town of Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur province.

Pierantoni supposedly was released by his captors — renegade Muslim Islamic Liberation Front members — several weeks later.

He, however, was reported to have escaped on his own after six months in captivity.