Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MANILA2440
2007-07-20 07:45:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manila
Cable title:
KIDNAPPERS RELEASE ITALIAN PRIEST
how-toVZCZCXRO7869 OO RUEHCHI RUEHDT RUEHHM DE RUEHML #2440 2010745 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 200745Z JUL 07 FM AMEMBASSY MANILA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7506 INFO RUEHZS/ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS IMMEDIATE RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME IMMEDIATE 0282 RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC IMMEDIATE RHHMUNA/CDRUSPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 002440
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2017
TAGS: PTER PREL IT RP
SUBJECT: KIDNAPPERS RELEASE ITALIAN PRIEST
REF: MANILA 2099
Classified By: Pol/C Scott Bellard, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 002440
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2017
TAGS: PTER PREL IT RP
SUBJECT: KIDNAPPERS RELEASE ITALIAN PRIEST
REF: MANILA 2099
Classified By: Pol/C Scott Bellard, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Special
Concerns Rafael Seguis on July 20 confirmed to Pol/C press
reports that kidnappers had freed Italian priest Father
Giancarlo Bossi late on July 19 in Karumatan, Lanao Del Norte
Province after 39 days of captivity. He insisted that the
Philippine government had not paid any ransom, but privately
admitted working behind the scenes, including obtaining
"proof of life" on July 18, in coordination with Italian
authorities.
2. (U) Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 9 Chief
Superintendent Jaime Caringal separately told the media that
there had been no ransom payment, and claimed that former
mayor of Tuburan, Basilan Hajarun Jamiri had "facilitated"
the release. He attributed the release also to "relentless"
military and police operations in search of Father Bossi.
However, PNP Director General Oscar Calderon admitted to the
media that officials had paid a small "boarding fee."
3. (U) During a July 20 televised press conference in
Zamboanga City, Bossi said his abductors (originally eleven,
later dropping to five individuals) had identified themselves
as members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, but had treated him "with
respect." After the press conference, Bossi flew to Manila
to meet President Arroyo and the Italian Ambassador. Despite
a considerable weight loss, Bossi appeared in high spirits
and expressed his resolve to rejoin his parishioners in
Zamboanga Sibugay.
4. (SBU) Sources in the PNP and the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) have separately indicated their belief that
at least some elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,
perhaps in conjunction with elements of the ASG, had been
involved in the kidnapping. Troops continue to hunt for the
abductors, at least three of whom the PNP has reportedly
identified, including a "Commander Khidi" of the MILF.
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm
You can also access this site through the State Department's
Classified SIPRNET website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/
KENNEY
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2017
TAGS: PTER PREL IT RP
SUBJECT: KIDNAPPERS RELEASE ITALIAN PRIEST
REF: MANILA 2099
Classified By: Pol/C Scott Bellard, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) Under Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Special
Concerns Rafael Seguis on July 20 confirmed to Pol/C press
reports that kidnappers had freed Italian priest Father
Giancarlo Bossi late on July 19 in Karumatan, Lanao Del Norte
Province after 39 days of captivity. He insisted that the
Philippine government had not paid any ransom, but privately
admitted working behind the scenes, including obtaining
"proof of life" on July 18, in coordination with Italian
authorities.
2. (U) Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 9 Chief
Superintendent Jaime Caringal separately told the media that
there had been no ransom payment, and claimed that former
mayor of Tuburan, Basilan Hajarun Jamiri had "facilitated"
the release. He attributed the release also to "relentless"
military and police operations in search of Father Bossi.
However, PNP Director General Oscar Calderon admitted to the
media that officials had paid a small "boarding fee."
3. (U) During a July 20 televised press conference in
Zamboanga City, Bossi said his abductors (originally eleven,
later dropping to five individuals) had identified themselves
as members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, but had treated him "with
respect." After the press conference, Bossi flew to Manila
to meet President Arroyo and the Italian Ambassador. Despite
a considerable weight loss, Bossi appeared in high spirits
and expressed his resolve to rejoin his parishioners in
Zamboanga Sibugay.
4. (SBU) Sources in the PNP and the Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) have separately indicated their belief that
at least some elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,
perhaps in conjunction with elements of the ASG, had been
involved in the kidnapping. Troops continue to hunt for the
abductors, at least three of whom the PNP has reportedly
identified, including a "Commander Khidi" of the MILF.
Visit Embassy Manila's Classified SIPRNET website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eap/manila/index. cfm
You can also access this site through the State Department's
Classified SIPRNET website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/
KENNEY