Friday, July 06, 2007 No let-up in search for Bossi, military assures
ARMED Forces Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said Thursday that they have enough manpower to pursue the rescue efforts for Italian priest Father Giancarlo Bossi despite the pullout of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the joint operation.
Esperon, in an ambush interview at the 109th Presidential Security Group (PSG) anniversary at the PSG Park in Manila, said at present they have limited the rescue operations to a few areas where there are indications that the priest could be held there.
He did not reveal the areas for fear that it might compromise their operation or endanger Father Bossi.
Esperon said at present there are at least three battalions already involved in the operation and they have added a company each from the Scout Rangers and the Light Reaction team early this week to augment the troopers
This is in addition to the policemen, the four ships and four helicopters that are all being used in the rescue efforts.
"We must assure each and everyone that the Armed Forces is in the area, together with the PNP, are not letting up on the operations. It's just that we don't want to give details which we think would affect the security of Father Bossi," Esperon said.
He assured that the priest is still alive but he could not show proof of this as it would give away the identities of those who are working with the government forces. He however admitted they have civilian guides involved in the operations.
Bossi was abducted on June 10 while on his way to hold Mass in Zamboanga Sibugay. (JMR/Sunnex)
