Italian Priest Freed in Philippines

An Italian priest kidnapped by Abu Sayef terrorists on the southern island of Mindanao last month has been released unharmed, but not until after 14 Philippine marines searching for him were killed last week. Via BBC:

Father Bossi said he had been told upon his abduction that his kidnappers were with Abu Sayyaf, an Islamic extremist group known to have ties with al-Qaeda.

But the Philippine military said it believed rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the main Muslim separatist group in the southern Philippines, to be behind the kidnapping.

The priest also said he had been told the purpose of his kidnapping was to extract a ransom.

But Philippine officials insisted no ransom was paid, saying Father Bossi's release was the result of negotiations with the kidnappers.

It appears that for once, neither Abu Sayef nor the MILF is claiming responsibility for the deaths of the 14 Marines, 10 of whom were beheaded. About 300 Abu Sayef militants ambushed a group of about 50 Marines searching for the missing priest.

Father Bossi will be flown home to Italy for a visit with his family, but hopes to return soon to his parish in Zamboanga Sibugay province. He also hopes to visit with the families of the dead Marines.

Bossi said the President had told him that 14 Marines had been killed while searching for him on Basilan island.

“She told me that many people had been working hard for my freedom,” he said.

Bossi said he would visit the families of the dead Marines and vowed to resume his parish work in the southern town of Payao.

“My plan from the beginning was to go back to Payao and tell the people I’m still alive,” he said, wiping away tears as his voice broke. “My heart is still in Payao.”

Terrorist Group Abu Sayyaf Beheads Ten Phillipine Marines

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