Zamboanga (AsiaNews) – “I can confirm the cautious optimism expressed yesterday and I confide that any moment may bring the good news of Fr. Giancarlo Bossi’s release, even if evening had fallen here and we still have no news of new developments in the case”. Zambonaga based PIME missionary Fr. Luciano Benedetti tells AsiaNews, that the release may take place “within the next two weeks”, even if it is still impossible “to make sure statements about it”.
The military and government are currently negotiating with the kidnappers for the release of Fr. Bossi, but the situation remains “very delicate” and the PIME confreres are “entrusting themselves to prayer” so that the Italian missionary will soon be released.
A certain element in the common will shared by Christian and Muslims to find “a rapid solution to the case”: Fr Bossi has been in the hands of his captors for over a month now, and is “deeply loved by the local people”; his release would contribute to defusing the ranger of a rapid escalation of “tensions in the country”.
Fr. Benedetti underlines the importance the initiatives aimed at bringing about the release of Fr. Bossi: “I believe that the joined Christian, Muslim petition launched Tomas Concepcion – a Philippine artist of Muslim who has long lived in Rome – may contribute to creating a fresh wind of harmony among our people. Tomorrow or July 19th at the latest he will come to Zamboangato meet the archbishop, Msgr. Romulo Geolina Valles” to continue in the common aim to free the PIME missionary: an “important and significant” commitment which is a testimony to the people’s will.