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.