Rebel fighters released a captive Catholic priest in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga as fighting between government troops and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) entered its fifth day on Friday.
Father Michael Ufana was taken hostage when the rebels attacked five villages in the city on Monday.
The MNLF still has more than 100 other hostages including the priest’s father and sister.
Monsignor Crisologo Manongas, administrator of Zamboanga archdiocese, said Ufana was released “to deliver the demands of the armed group that are still holding the rest of the hostages.”
One of the demands is safe passage out of Zamboanga for the rebels, according to a security source.
Ufana’s release came hours before President Benigno Aquino arrived in Zamboanga City to personally view the situation.
The president’s visit came amid reports that some members of the MNLF were planning to surrender. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, however, denied the reports, adding that negotiations are still ongoing.
Civil society and human rights groups have called on both sides to immediately declare a ceasefire and “delineate a humanitarian corridor where civilians and injured combatants may be safely assisted.”
The groups also called on the Organization of Islamic Conference to help resolve the conflict in Zamboanga and “sustain the role they have long-fulfilled in ensuring the hopes for peace in Mindanao.”
Source
Image: UCA News
Related Posts:
News category: World.
