Government Welcomes Release of One More ICRC Kidnap Victim

Tacloban City (April 18) -- This Saturday morning came with a surprising but very much welcomed news that Swiss Andreas Notter, one of the two remaining International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) members being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf, was recovered by policemen in a remote area of Indanan town, Sulu province.

The Philippine government welcomed the release of Andreas Notter of Switzerland and expressed hope that the remaining hostage would soon be freed as well.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Notter's release from the bandits raised the government's hope of recovering the third kidnapped ICRC worker.

"This is a major breakthrough that we hope shall eventually lead to the rescue of the last remaining hostage, Eugenio Vagni," Secretary Remonde said.

Malacañang believes the joint effort of the Ulamas, local government and security forces in Sulu led to Notter's freedom.

"We commend them all for this outcome," Secretary Remonde said as he gave ICRC and the family of the Italian Red Cross volunteer the assurance that the government will continue in its efforts to rescue the remaining victim safely.

Meanwhile, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan called him up around 7:30 a.m. and informed him that Notter was staying at his home in Barangay Asturias in Jolo.

Radio and television reports quoted Secretary Teodoro saying that according to Governor Tan, Notter was recovered by policemen and members of the Civilian Emergency Force (CEF) cordoning the Abu Sayyaf lair in Indanan town. He could not say if the Swiss national was released by the bandits or was able to escape.

"I'm not sure if he was released or he was able to run," the defense chief said in a radio interview.

Secretary Teodoro, however, said there's a big possibility that Notter escaped because of the military cordon around the Abu Sayyaf lair. Maybe the cordon tightened and the Abu Sayyaf retreated and Notter was able to run. Remember, Notter is a former soldier," he said.

Later, Director General Jesus Verzosa, Philippine National Police chief, wasa quoted as saying that Notter was being debriefed at the Sulu governor's home. The Swiss national is also undergoing medical checkup. (PIA 8)