A Catholic priest held hostage by the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City earlier this week was released Friday.
Fr. Michael Ufana was released as the crisis in Zamboanga City entered its fifth day Friday, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported.
As of posting time, Fr. Ufana is in the custody of the Philippine National Police while undergoing debriefing.
President Benigno Aquino III is expected in Zamboanga City Friday.
President Benigno Aquino III is expected in Zamboanga City Friday.
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines earlier cited initial reports that on Monday Ufana was with his parents who were celebrating their wedding anniversary when the MNLF took them in Barangay Sta. Catalina.
The CBCP quoted Zamboanga Archdiocese administrator Msgr. Crisologo Manongas as saying Ufana was trapped in the standoff.
GMA News' Jiggy Manicad reported that Fr. Ufana walked along Ilustre Street Friday and met with Sr. Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo, officer-in-charge of Zamboanga City Police Office.
A source told GMA News that MNLF leader Haber Malik released Fr. Ufana alone, leaving his father behind.
GMA News' Jiggy Manicad reported that Fr. Ufana walked along Ilustre Street Friday and met with Sr. Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo, officer-in-charge of Zamboanga City Police Office.
A source told GMA News that MNLF leader Haber Malik released Fr. Ufana alone, leaving his father behind.
Fr. Ufana and Malik are said to be neighbors in Santa Barbara town.
In a short message to local media, Fr. Ufana said he is okay.
Fr. Ufana is expected to meet with Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas Friday.
Fr. Ufana is expected to meet with Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas Friday.
Meanwhile,
dzBB's Liwanag reported there is still no official confirmation of a report
that several MNLF members had surrendered.
The crisis stemmed from armed MNLF members infiltrating some villages in Zamboanga City and taking civilian hostages last Monday.
Meanwhile, more public utility jeeps and tricycles started coming out to ply their routes Friday as residents in the "unaffected" areas of Zamboanga City tried to get their lives back to normal.
Some shops also opened for business but still accommodated only five to 10 people at a time.
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