Philippine Troops, Muslim Rebels
Rescue Hostages

by-United Press International
Published: December 5, 2005

Manila--Muslim rebels and government troops, in a rare joint operation, have rescued a university professor and his wife kidnapped by bandits in the Philippines.

Rebels from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, backed by government security forces, Sunday surrounded the hideout in the town of Piagapo on the Southern Island of Mindanao, where bandits had been holding Felipe Lucanas, 58, and his wife, Helen, the Manila Times reported Monday.

The kidnappers abandoned the couple after intercepting radio messages that rescue forces were approaching, the report said.

The couple were kidnapped Friday outside Marawi State University and brought to Piagapo. The bandits had demanded 5 million pesos ($92,000) for their release.

Lucanas said he and his wife had not been harmed by the kidnappers, who were armed with M-16 and M-14 automatic rifles. He said his captors panicked at the prospect of being taken by rebels.

Rebel leader Abdul Rakman Macapaar had mobilized hundreds of rebels to track down the hostages. Rebel forces previously have helped authorities rescue kidnap victims in Mindanao.

The Muslim rebel group is currently in peace negotiations with Manila.

Courtesy Of:
http://www.wpherald.com/storyview.php?StoryID=20051205-095838-2218r