A second fax has been received from the Irish Columban priest, Mgr Des Hartford, who was abducted last week by Muslim rebels in the Philippines. The message was sent as negotiations continued to free Mgr Hartford, who was seized by members of the Moro Liberation Army, a Muslim group on the southern Philippine island of Mindanao.
A four-hour meeting was held yesterday between Catholic clergy, senior politicians and representatives of the rebels in the city of Cagayan de Oro and afterwards two people travelled to the rebels' mountain stronghold to talk to the Columban priest's captors.
His kidnappers have said they would not release him until they were given livelihood grants promised by the government in return for laying down their arms.
Mgr Hartford and a Filipino priest met the rebels on Monday to discuss their grievance over the non-payment of the grants, which had been promised as part of an amnesty.
The fax was received by Archbishop Nanding Cappella, Archbishop of Davao, who has responsibility for Muslim/Christian dialogue in the Philippines.
He is also the Catholic Church's intermediary in the negotiations to secure Mgr Hartford's release and was at yesterday's meeting.
Mgr Hartford said in the fax that he had been asked to write about his situation. "Up to the present moment I am in good health and good spirits. I am being treated well by my guards considering the circumstances in which I am living. They are doing all they can to make my stay here comfortable."
He also asked for prayers for his health and safety. "My worry is that I might get sick but I have experienced no fear from my captors. The only danger is from the military or some other group who might try to rescue me."
He added that "to the best of my knowledge the rebel returnees have legitimate demands already approved. If this is so I hope they can be met as quickly as possible."
He concluded: "Please assure my family and friends that I am keeping up my spirits, I am in good health and I hope to be released soon."
Father Noel Connolly, vicar general of the Columbans, said in Dublin last night that those involved in the meeting included the government's representative, Mr Alberto Bernardo, the governor of the neighbouring province of Lanao, Mr Mahid Mutilan, who is also president of the Islamic Scholars of the Philippines, a military representative and a priest and nun from the diocese, as well as the rebels' representative.
"I am still optimistic that he will be released unhurt but I don't know how long it will take," Father Connolly said.
"The government don't want to give in to blackmail or kidnapping but want to do the right thing."
He added that there were also genuine technical difficulties because grants were claimed by those who were not rebels. Others claimed for many people but kept the money themselves. Father Connolly said that the longer the situation went on the more likely it was that the military would get involved.
"We will use our influence to try to keep pressure on the Philippines government. We appreciate what they are doing and as long as this has international backing the military will not intervene."