Here’s Julie Alipala’s latest for the Inquirer on Marine Major General Benjamin Dolorfino and Defense Undersecretary Ramon Santos and their companions who were hostaged by MNLF rebels Friday.
Muslim rebels holding Brig. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino and members of his peace mission have agreed to release their hostages Sunday.
Dolorfino said last night this was agreed on between Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and the Moro group led by Ustadz Habier Malik.
“We can breathe easier now that we can go home,” Dolorfino told the Inquirer.
He said Malik agreed to release them after receiving assurances from the Organization of Islamic Conference that the planned meeting between the OIC, the Philippines and the Moro National Liberation Front to discuss the implementation of the RP-MNLF peace agreement would push through in March. The MNLF expects its detained leader, Nur Misuari, to head its delegation to the talks planned to be held in Saudi Arabia.
Earlier AFP Chief Hermogenes Esperon denied that Dolorfino and Santos are being held hostage by the Moro National Liberation Front rebels. In his text message to reporters, Esperon said, “No. It’s a dialog. Dats why Dolorfino went there yesterday with Usec Santos of OPAPP.”
