Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) - Government peace negotiators have sent three emissaries to the hideout of the kidnappers of Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi. The team, whose leader was involved in negotiations that led to the release of Italian priest Giuseppe Pierantoni in 2002, left Iligan City (Lanao del Norte) at 1 p.m. (Inquirer). Fr Bossi was taken hostage on 10 June in the area of Zamboanga, in Mindanao, in the territory of the Prelature of Ipil. Fr. Bossi has been made parish priest in Payao two months earlier.
The search continues. The army doubts that the missionary is being held in the province of Lanao, and that information is confused. Local and international media reports of an offer by the kidnappers to negotiate Fr Bossi's release have not been confirmed. General M. Dolorfino, who is leading the search effort told the Associated Press that he had a phone call but a ransom was not mentioned. The contact asked for money to buy medicines for Fr Bossi. The Italian ambassador expressed concern for the health of the hostage missionary who suffers from high blood pressure. PIME missionaries in the Philippines have said they no nothing of a message from the kidnappers. In the meantime torrential rains impedes communications and many parts of the territory are isolated.
Since Fr. Bossi was taken hostage there have been manifestations of solidarity from the local people, Christians, Muslims, indigenous Tanod, humble farmers and fishermen. Many have offered time and resources in the search for the mission, and prayers for his safe release are being said by believers of every faith. (K.P.) (Agenzia Fides 26/6/2007; righe 26, parole 359)
