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.