Ransom asked for engineer's release

Ransom asked for engineer's release

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): A government engineer was
kidnapped by Moro rebels last week in a coastal town north of
this southern Philippine city, reports received by police
yesterday said.

Rameo Laureta, 37, was kidnapped last Thursday by rebels of
the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the town of
Baliguian, said Senior Superintendent Merlito Te, police
provincial director.

The rebels are demanding 300,000 pesos ($11,538) from
Laureta's relatives for his release, the report said.

Laureta's abduction came a day before the release Friday of
two oil company workers kidnapped by Moslem bandits. Their
release, with no ransom paid, was negotiated by Moslem autonomous
region governor Nur Misuari.