(see related)The cousin of an
Italian ex-missionary who was kidnapped in the Philippines told
ANSA on Wednesday that Rolando Del Torchio survived an attempt
on his life 15 years ago.
"Some people shot at him and a local bishop," said Andrea
Del Torchio, owner of a delicatessen in his cousin's native town
of Angera in Varese province.
"They survived by hiding under some beds, and Rolando was
traumatised," Andrea continued.
As well, one of his fellow missionaries who had founded a
sustainable development NGO was assassinated.
Rolando Del Torchio has a long history of working to
improve social conditions in the Philippines, and was
volunteering in prisons while running his café, his cousin said.
He spent the best years of his life in the Philippines in
spite of the hardships there, his cousin said.
"My cousin loves simplicity, and found European structures
a little too narrow," Andrea said.
"We hope he will be freed soon and that nothing bad will
happen to him," he concluded.
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