CLERICS HELD HOSTAGE.MUSLIM guerrillas have been fighting for an independent state in the southern Philippines region for decades and have abducted foreigners including priests in the past. In October 1997, Fr Des Hartford was abducted by the Moro National Liberation Front and held for 11 days. In August 2001, Fr Rufus Halley Rev. Rufus Halley, Society of the Holy Cross Columban missionary was a linguist and peacemaker who spent more than 20 years promoting Muslim/Christian dialogue in Asia. was killed during an attempted abduction near Pagadian City. In June 2007 Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi was kidnapped allegedly by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Noun 1. Moro Islamic Liberation Front - a terrorist group in the southern Philippines formed in 1977 to establish an independent Islamic state for the Moros; have clashed with troops at United States bases and Abu Sayyaf in June 2007 and freed after 39 days. CAPTION(S): CONCERN Fr Mick Sinnott was captured in Philippines on Sunday |
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