Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Kidnapped Red Cross Workers Survive Gun Battle in Philippines

Three Red Cross workers kidnapped by Abu-Sayyaf rebels more than two months ago are reportedly unharmed after two days of fighting between Philippine Marines and their captors. Via GMA News:
MANILA, Philippines — Officials said Wednesday that three Red Cross hostages survived two days of fierce jungle clashes that killed three Marines and up to seven al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf captors in the southern Philippines.

Police Chief Superintendent Bensali Jabarani said the Italian, Swiss and Filipino aid workers, their hands tied, were seen running with their captors toward a mountain after the militants fought with marines near Indanan on southern Jolo Island.

Sen. Richard Gordon, who heads the local Red Cross, said he spoke with Abu Sayyaf commander Albader Parad by mobile phone and was told the hostages, who have been held for more than two months, were unharmed.

Please pray for the comfort of the families of the three Marines who were killed, and for the protection and rescue of hostages Eugenio Vagni, Andreas Notter, and Mary-Jean Lacaba.

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