Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Abduction in Philippines.

Róisín Shortall

Question:

29 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contact, if any, he has had with the authorities in the Philippines in connection with the abduction of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18101/97]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

This Irish citizen, who has been working in the Philippines for 30 years, has been held since 27 October by members of the Moro National Liberation Front in Laneo de Norte, Mindaneo. He and a Filipino colleague were meeting these people who are in dispute with the Government about implementation of some of the terms of an amnesty and peace agreement concluded between them in 1996. Members of the Front are detaining the Irish citizen as a means of putting pressure on the Philippine authorities.

As soon as our Embassy in Beijing, which is accredited to the Philippines, on 28 October learned of what had happened it made formal representations to the Office of President Ramos expressing the concern of the Irish Government for the welfare of this man and requesting that the President give the matter his personal attention to bring about a peaceful resolution. When the matter came to my attention I personally contacted colleagues of the man in Ireland. I have also asked the Ambassador of the Philippines to Ireland to come to see me tomorrow morning so that I can convey personally to him the anxiety of the Government about this man's safety and urge that the Government of the Philippines maintain its efforts to resolve the situation in a peaceful manner. The Department of Foreign Affairs is in consultation with our EU partners about a joint approach to the Philippine authorities by all the EU member states and by the European Commission expressing concern for the welfare of this EU citizen.

The man has sent messages to colleagues saying that he is in good spirits and is being well cared for.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy in Beijing are closely monitoring developments and are in contact with the man's relatives in Ireland. I will take further action in the next few days if the situation warrants it.