MANILA, 24 October - The military yesterday said it was holding the the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is engaged in peace talks with Manila, responsible for the safety of an Italian Roman Catholic priest abducted last week.
"The MILF leaders must show their sincerity by working for the release of Fr. (Giuseppe) Pierantoni," military spokesman Brig. Gen. Edilberto Adan said.
The 44 year-old Bologna native was abducted last week in the southern island of Mindanao, where he has done missionary work for the past 10 years.
Pierantoni was snatched by armed men belonging to the Pentagon group, which according to the military is controlled by former MILF commanders in the Lanao provinces.
"We hold the MILF responsible for the safety of Father Pierantoni because the areas he is reportedly being kept are all MILF strongholds," army spokesman Lt. Col. Jose Mabanta also said.
MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu yesterday denied reports the priest was in their custody, but stressed they had sent men to check on his whereabouts.
He reiterated the MILF's "readiness and willingness, with or without request" from church leaders, to extend assistance for safe and peaceful release of Pierantoni.
But he also military against releasing "provocative statements that would only cause more confusion between and among our people."
Kabalu gave his assurance during an interview with television station RPN-9 in Pagadian City, with Catgikuc Bishop Jimenez and police officials as guests.
Adan said the alleged leader of the kidnap gang, Faizal Marohombsar, was identified as a former member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a former Moro rebel group that signed a peace accord with Manila in 1996.
The MILF, which signed a cease-fire with Manila last month, had split from the MNLF in 1978.
