ICRC voices concern over abducted members in Sulu
By QUEENIE CASIMIRO, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga | 01/15/2009 4:30 PM
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A spokesman of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Philippines has expressed grave concern over the fate of members of their team abducted in Sulu province Thursday.
Roland Bigler of the ICRC Communication-Cooperation Delegate said their team was performing a routine humanitarian job in Sulu Provincial Jail when they were picked up by a group of bandits at about 11:30 a.m. Thursday.
Swiss national Andreas Notter, Head of the ICRC-Zamboanga City, Italian Eugenio Vagni, a delegate of the Water Habitat Project based in Davao and Mary Jane Lacaba, ICRC engineer also based in Davao were forcibly taken by a group of armed men riding five motorcycles at the vicinity of the Sulu Provicial Capitol.
Three other companions identified as Dr Richie Sorilla, ICRC medical field officer, Ramon Catacutan, senior field officer and Mohammad Shihata Jikiri, a field officer were left behind.
Notter's team has reportedly been in Sulu since Tuesday to inspect the Water Habitat Project at the Sulu jail.
Bigler said the ICRC has very little information as to the present situation of Notter and the two others. He said the ICRC will come up with a statement once they get "something substantial to say."
Bigler called on the group holding their team in Sulu to "free them all since they are there to help the community."
Palace orders rescue and pursuit operations
Malacañang meanwhile has ordered the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police (PNP) to rescue the three members of the ICRC team and pursue the abductors.
“The security forces, both AFP and PNP are in hot-pursuit operations to track down the criminal elements and ensure the safe return of the captives. Task force Comet under Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban has been tasked to undertake appropriate action on the ground,” said Press Secretary Jesus Dureza.
Dureza also reiterated the governments travel advise to areas where abductions have recently occurred. He called “on all elements, whether locals or foreigners, who visit these areas to coordinate with government ground forces and civilian authorities so adequate measures are done on their security and safety,” said Dureza.
