Rebels blamed for kidnapping in RP

Rebels blamed for kidnapping in RP

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (DPA): Moro rebels disgruntled
over unkept government promises of livelihood assistance and
benefits are responsible for the abduction of a coconut
plantation owner in the southern Philippines, police said
yesterday.

Police Col. Ernanito Baul said former members of the Moro
National Liberation Front (MNLF), which signed a peace pact with
the government in September 1996, abducted Jacinto Pepito to
force Manila to speed up the release of funds for their
rehabilitation.

Pepito becomes the third victim of former MNLF rebels, who
have resorted to terrorist acts to seek the release of soft loans
and other benefits promised to those who surrendered under an
official amnesty program.

Irish priest Desmond Hartford was abducted on Oct. 27 and
freed 11 days later, while Belgian priest Bernard Maes was seized
Nov. 18 and released 36 hours later.