MILF denies links in the abduction of Italian worker

MORO Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) spokesman Eid Kabalu said Wednesday abductors of an Italian worker are not connected with them or are related to one of their field commanders.

Kabalu interviewed over ANC News Channel confirmed the abduction of Andrea Cianferoni, program director for Movimondo, in Delabayan village, Kauswagan town in Lanao del Norte province at around 2:30 Tuesday afternoon.

Kabalu, however, denied reports that the abductors were relatives of Commander Bravo, an MILF field commander.

The truth is Commander Bravo was able to identify two of the four Italian abductors as Akmad Limbo and Alim Muti, residents of Kauswagan, he said.

Kabalu said information they gathered indicate that the two are mere civilians of the town of Kauswagan and are not connected with any crime group.

Commander Bravo's name was dragged to the abduction case after Cianferoni's vehicle was recovered near his base camp in Kauswagan town.

Cianferoni, 29 and a native of Florence, oversees projects such as village roads and health centers in Lanao del Norte funded by the EU, said the source from the main southern island of Mindanao.

The abductors who were wearing ski masks demanded a P300,000 ransom for the release of the Italian worker.

Kabalu said Cianferoni's group had "an audience with the leadership of the MILF" earlier this year to coordinate with the rebels on a potable water project.

"Any project beneficial to the people, especially in
conflict-affected areas, is very much welcome," Kabalu said.

The rebels and the government have opened peace talks, which are expected to resume later this month. A year-old cease-fire is holding with an international monitoring team observing its implementation.

Col. Amando Melo, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade, said
"lawless elements" not the rebels were responsible and troops have been deployed to pursue them.(