Troops ready to spring priest

Troops ready to spring priest

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Philippine troops were prepared
to rescue abducted Italian priest Luciano Benedetti from armed
kidnappers if negotiations for his release collapsed, the
military said on Thursday.

But Col. Rafael Romero, spokesman of the military's southern
command, said they remained hopeful Benedetti would be released
this week within the prescribed two-week deadline given by
President Joseph Estrada.

"We know the general area (where Benedetti is being hidden)
but we cannot just divulge the exact place," Romero said, adding
they had stepped up pressure against the kidnappers.

Benedetti, 54, was abducted in September near his parish in
nearby Zamboanga peninsula. The kidnappers have demanded seven
million pesos (US$175,000) for his release, although his
superiors have said they will not pay.