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Friday, June 22, 2007
Italy won’t pay ransom for priest: envoy
MANILA -- The Italian Government would abide by the policy of the Philippine Government to reject any demand for ransom payment in exchange for the release of Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi, who was abducted early this month in Zamboanga Sibugay in Western Mindanao.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said Italian ambassador Rubens Fideli had assured him that while they support the negotiations for the safe release of Fr. Bossi, they would not pay ransom in deference to the Philippine Government and its policy.
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He however acknowledged that payment for "board and lodging" of the priest while in the custody of his abductors could be possible as it has been practiced in past kidnapping cases.
Ermita said they discourage the practice but "it might turn out like that, may experience na tayo diyan e, pag kawalang ransom, ganun lagi ang ginagawa nila (we already had a previous experience, if there is no ransom, it's always like that). They keep the hostage for several days to several months, walang (no) ransom paid, hinihingi na lang (they ask for) board and lodging, so they have different ways of asking."
He assured that the Philippine Government is doing all it can to secure Bossi's safe release and there is close coordination among the military, police, and local government units in the area.
Ermita said even the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), to show its sincerity in negotiating peace with the government, is doing its share to hasten the release of Bossi.
He likewise called on everyone, particularly the media, to be more discerning in what they report as the life of a person is at stake.
Ermita shrugged off the latest travel advisory from the United Kingdom that resulted from the kidnapping incident, stressing that it is normal and part of the mandate of foreign embassies in the Philippines to warn or inform their nationals of the situation in some parts of the country.
He said the kidnapping is an isolated case and it is expected that they would warn their nationals from visiting parts of Mindanao where the abduction occurred.
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales said it is difficult to contest the warning of the British Government because the kidnapping did occur.
Gonzales added that if there is any threat of kidnapping, it could be considered as high in some parts of Mindanao with Abu Sayyaf presence. (JMR/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro. (June 22, 2007 issue)
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