April 2 (Bloomberg) -- Abu Sayyaf militants freed the Filipino Red Cross worker they kidnapped more than two months ago in the southern Philippines. They still hold an Italian and a Swiss national from the charity who were seized with her.
Mary Jean Lacaba was released today at around 8:30 p.m. local time after negotiations led by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, said Colonel Eugenio Clemen, deputy commander of the anti- terrorism task force in the southern province, in a phone interview. She was taken to a military base on Jolo, Sulu’s main island, about 970 kilometers (600 miles) south of Manila, the capital, said Sulu Public Information Officer Sonny Abing.
Lacaba was seized Jan. 15 on Jolo island together with Red Cross staff members Eugenio Vagni, from Italy, and Andreas Notter, who is Swiss. Abu Sayyaf last week threatened to behead one of the three if authorities didn’t break the cordon they had formed around the kidnappers. The government refused, saying complying would amount to surrendering Jolo to the group.
Prayers of thanks for Ms. Lacaba's release. Please continue to pray for Eugenio Vagni and Andreas Notter, and for the Philippine soldiers who stand ready to carry out a rescue operation if necessary.
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2 comments:
We were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf 9 years ago. Although is was an ordeal, our kidnap story is one filled with miracles and with a good ending. Our hearts go out to the hostages and their families. We will keep on praying for them and for a safe release.
National Geographic made a short program on our kidnapping. To get a better insight on what these hostages have to face, visit:
http://www.strydomtrust.com/videos.html
We were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf 9 years ago. Although is was an ordeal, our kidnap story is one filled with miracles and with a good ending. Our hearts go out to the hostages and their families. We will keep on praying for them and for a safe release.
National Geographic made a short program on our kidnapping. To get a better insight on what these hostages have to face, visit:
http://www.strydomtrust.com/videos.html
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