Filipinos celebrating hostage release

Manila (AsiaNews) – "I am sorry that I put you through this [situation]," Angelito Nayan told his family in his words as a free man after spending the last few weeks as a hostage in Afghanistan.

Nayan's sister told him not to worry, that they never stopped praying for him. "We have always been with you," she said, "and we do not blame anyone for this. What matters is that you are now free."

Mr Nayan said that his abductors treated him well and thanked all those who prayed for his release.

Las Pinas, Mr Nayan's community on the outskirts of metro Manila, breathed a sigh of relief. Relatives, friends and neighbors welcomed the good news with prayers and a motorcade around the city.

Filipino President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is presently in Mexico, spoke with Mr Nayan and reassured Filipinos that he was in good health and high spirits.

"We prayed earnestly for his safety and worked hard to [. . .] negotiate his release and God has once again answered our call, through the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe," the President said. (SE)

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