Bishop, women released in Philippines after hostage drama

Published: 2005-05-25

MANILA, Philippines (CNS) -- Bishop Emmanuel Cabajar of Pagadian and 14 women and girls taken hostage by armed men were freed May 25 and were heading back to their diocese in the southern Philippines, a local church official reported. "Bishop Cabajar's group is now driving back to Pagadian escorted by police and military," said Imelda Balasabas, a parish secretary in Lakewood, reported UCA News, an Asian church news agency based in Thailand. Balasabas told UCA News May 25 that Bishop Cabajar and four women arrived at the Mary Queen of the Apostles Parish rectory earlier that day in the bishop's pickup truck after the hijackers freed them. The freed hostages ate and rested at the rectory before policemen came to interview them, Balasabas said. "The rectory was crowded with parishioners who heard the news on the radio," the parish secretary said.

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