A long-serving Italian missionary who was once kidnapped by Islamic militants in Mindanao died yesterday. Giancarlo Bossi died in Italy at age 62 following a long battle with lung cancer. Bossi, who was born in Abbiategrasso near Milan in 1950, worked in the Philippines for around 30 years before his abduction by breakaway Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels in June 2007. He was freed after 40 days, reportedly after a ransom was paid. Churchmen in the Philippines have paid tribute to the late missionary. "We treasure his memory, particularly his missionary work in Zamboanga del Sur, in the diocese of Pagadian and all other parts of Mindanao," said Bishop Martin Jumoad of Basilan. "We pray that there will be more like Fr Bossi in terms of commitment and fidelity to the ministry."