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.