RP trying to free kidnapped priest

RP trying to free kidnapped priest

MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos said yesterday he had
dispatched a member of his cabinet to the southern Philippines to
lead efforts to recover an Irish Roman Catholic priest kidnapped
by Moslem gunmen.

Desmond Hartford, 54, of Dublin, was seized near the town of
Kolambugan on Oct. 27 by former Moslem separatist guerrillas who
want the government to produce soft loans and other benefits
promised them when they surrendered six years ago.

"Basically, (it) is a local government matter, not a military
action that is involved here. Secretary (Robert) Barbers is there
now," Ramos said.

Earlier yesterday, a government negotiator said Moslem
separatist guerrillas had given their former comrades until
yesterday afternoon to free him. However, the deadline passed
with no news of the priest.