Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - With anxiety and concern the local Church in the Philippines watches for developments in the abduction of Fr. Giancarlo Bossi, who disappeared yesterday 10 June in Zamboanga, Mindanao, in the territory of the Prelature of Ipil, where the Italian missionary, a member of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), is parish priest
So far there has been no news of the priest's whereabouts or what group is responsible for his abduction. The civil and military authorities have mobilised men and informers to search for the missionary. Religious orders in the area, PIME communities especially, have activated their contacts to have information about the missionary, the identity of the people who abducted him perhaps a commando of Islamic militants, or a criminal gang or pirates who hope to obtain ransom money for the missionary's release.
“We wait and we pray and we hope our confrere will be released soon and return safe and sound”, said Fr. Steve Baumbush PIME, for many years a missionary in Mindanao (subject to threats and intimidation), today a parish priest in Manila. “Nothing is known of the kidnappers. The Muslim rebels have denied any responsibility and firmly condemned the abduction. We hope to have some news soon. Special Masses and prayers are being offered for the release of Fr Bossi. We have received many messages of sympathy and solidarity ”, the missionary said.
Fr. Bossi has been on mission in the Philippines since 1980. Two months ago he was appointed parish priest at Payao. In his missionary service he gave priority to spiritual care, as well as promoting cultural, social and economic development for the poorest communities. Fr Bossi is deeply loved by the local people to whom he has devoted so many years of his life.
In Mindanao various gangs take hostages to obtain money. Dire poverty has fuelled a circuit of criminality to obtain money with hostage taking. The victims have been tourists, missionaries, western employees and also local people. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 11/6/2007 righe 26 parole 267)
