Government panel seeks bishop’s release

DAVAO CITY, Philippines   – Chief government negotiator Silvestre Bello III has asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate the release of a Protestant bishop arrested with a rebel leader in Ozamiz City last month.

Bello said Carlos Morales of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), who was held at a military checkpoint in Barangay Gango with National Democratic Front (NDF) consultant Rommel Salinas, should be released on humanitarian grounds.

Morales claimed Salinas just hitched a ride in his vehicle. Salinas was arrested based on warrants for arson, murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder and robbery.

Charges were filed against Morales and Salinas for alleged possession of explosives while the bishop is also facing charges for allegedly harboring a man wanted by authorities.

A hand grenade was among those allegedly recovered from Salinas.

Bello said IFI priests and bishops are helping the government in negotiations with  the NDF and for the release of soldiers and policemen kidnapped by rebels.