Father Michael Ufana was taken hostage when the rebels attacked five villages in the city on Monday.

The MNLF still has more than 100 other hostages including the priest's father and sister.

Monsignor Crisologo Manongas, administrator of Zamboanga archdiocese, said Ufana was released "to deliver the demands of the armed group that are still holding the rest of the hostages."

One of the demands is safe passage out of Zamboanga for the rebels, according to a security source.

Ufana's release came hours before President Benigno Aquino arrived in Zamboanga City to personally view the situation.

The president's visit came amid reports that some members of the MNLF were planning to surrender. Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, however, denied the reports, adding that negotiations are still ongoing.

Civil society and human rights groups have called on both sides to immediately declare a ceasefire and "delineate a humanitarian corridor where civilians and injured combatants may be safely assisted."

The groups also called on the Organization of Islamic Conference to help resolve the conflict in Zamboanga and "sustain the role they have long-fulfilled in ensuring the hopes for peace in Mindanao."

Source

UCA News

Image: UCA News

Monsignor Chris Manongas, administrator of the Archdiocese of Zamboanga, said Father Michael Ufana was taken by MNLF gunmen from his parents' house.

"They were not able to leave. The [MNLF] took over the house. That's how it happened," he said.

The Mindanao Human Rights Action Center corroborated the report, citing an eyewitness who saw the taking of Ufana. Police officials confirmed Ufana was taken hostage.

Another Catholic priest, whose name was not released for security reasons, was also trapped in one of the villages taken over by the MNLF.

Manongas told ucanews.com he was able to talk with the second priest over the phone. "He is inside the church with some refugees. He said they have no food and water," said Manongas.

"[We are] having difficulty penetrating the place because it is cordoned off by the military. It is very dangerous because the fighting is around the church."

Thousands of refugees, most of them Muslims from five villages taken over by MNLF fighters, have sought shelter in three churches in the area.

The MNLF is demanding independence from the Philippine government.

Sources

UCA News

GMA News

Sun.Star

Image: UCA News