Group asks MNLF help to secure kidnapped lay minister

COTABATO CITY - The Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) congregation asked the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to help secure the release of a kidnapped Catholic lay minister and his spouse snatched in Jolo town in Sulu on Sunday.

OMI missionary Eliseo Mercado Jr., director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance, said they are convinced that leaders of the MNLF in Sulu, a known stronghold of the group, can help work out the release of couple Bonifacio and Claire Salinas.

The victims were reportedly snatched in downtown Jolo, while on their way to church.

Salinas, a Catholic lay minister, is also a senior member of the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus while his wife is an active volunteer church worker.

“We appeal to all people of goodwill, and to the MNLF to help secure the safe release of the couple,” Mercado said.

The OMI congregation has been operating various missionary programs for Muslims and Christians in Sulu and Tawi-Tawi since before World War II.