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Sunday, November 07, 2004
Arroyo asks Muslim leaders' help on abduction cases (1:40 p.m.)
MANILA -- President Arroyo appealed to the leaders of Islamic countries to help secure the release of two Filipinos who were abducted recently in Afghanistan and Iraq.
United Nations (UN) volunteer Angelito Nayan was abducted by a group of Afghan rebels along with two other volunteer workers, while Robert Tarongoy was also abducted by Iraqi rebels in Baghdad.
Negotiations are going on for Nayan’s release while the Department of Foreign Affairs has yet to receive any concrete information on the identities and demands of Tarongoy’s abductors.
In a report posted in the Press Secretary's website, the President made her appeal as part of her message on the breaking of the fast during the Holy Month of Ramadhan.
"As we celebrate Iftar and in the spirit of Ramadhan, I appeal to the leaders of the Islamic world to help the Philippines secure the release of two Filipino civilians caught in a conflict not of their making," Arroyo said.
"I also appeal to our own Filipino Muslim brothers and sisters to pray to Allah for the safety of Angelito Nayan, Roberto Tarongoy and their other companions in captivity, " Arroyo added.
The President also thanked Islamic countries, including Libya, that have extended full support to the peace talks in Mindanao.
Arroyo said her administration remains optimistic that the Philippines will be granted an observer status by the Organization of Islamic Conference. (Sunnex)
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