Kidnapped priests Bossi, Benedetti in Zambo reunion

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two priests who became kidnap victims were reunited Monday.

Freed Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi and Fr. Luciano Benedetti of the Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions (PIME) met hours after Bossi’s arrival in Zamboanga late Monday.

Bossi was kidnapped by at least 10 armed men in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay last June 10 while on his way to celebrate Mass in another village. He was released on July 19.

Benedetti, on the other hand, was abducted by armed men in 1998 from a PIME-run cooperative just east of what is now Zamboanga Sibugay. He was held for two months and freed only after payment was reportedly made for his “board and lodging.”

Benedetti currently works in Panay, an island in central Philippines, as head of San Jose de Antique diocese’s Commission on Indigenous People.

Meanwhile, the 57-year-old Bossi, sporting a checkered polo shirt and still unshaven, became an instant celebrity among the passengers of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and well-wishers at the arrival area of the Zamboanga City International Airport (ZIA).

Upon his arrival with PIME superior Rev. Gianni Sandalo, Bossi said he wanted to see his people in Payao.

His parishioners were excited to see him, although they are also reportedly sad that Bossi will be leaving for Italy this weekend.

Benedetti confirmed Bossi’s scheduled flight to Italy.

“He will be spending his time there with his family,” Benedetti said.

Benedetti believes, however, that Bossi will return to the country to continue his missionary work.