The military and police are now in a search and rescue operation against the kidnappers.

The Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, a network of Moro civil society organizations in Mindanao, laments the abduction of Fr. Giancarlo Bossi and condemned this dastardly act as against the morality of Islam and contrary to the norms of a civilized society.

The good relation between all people in Mindanao, particularly of Muslims and Christians, is continuously and painstakingly built by many groups including the CBCS and Interfaith Groups in Mindanao for years. Moreover, the long suffering of our people is about to end with the promising result of the on-going peace process between the GRP and the MILF. All of these efforts are threatened by this single despicable act of abduction of an innocent religious man who have not wronged anybody else and society.

For this reason, we appeal to the perpetrators of this crime, to immediately release Fr. Bossi safely unharmed. The act of his immediate and unconditional release by his captors is not only a manifestation of correcting a wrong act but also an exercise of compassion, which could be a positive contribution to the on-going effort at forging good relationship between people of different faiths, leading to the path of peace and solidarity.

Finally, we ask all our people, particularly the Muslim population of Mindanao to pray to the Almighty for the immediate and safe release of Fr. Bossi. Thank you.