The International Committee of the Red Cross said Saturday it's hopeful that Italian Eugenio Vagni, who is still being held captive by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu province, will also be safely released soon.

"We remain concerned about the safety of Eugenio and we remain hopeful that he remains safe and unharmed," ICRC spokeswoman Anastasia Isyuk told ABS-CBN News Channel.

Isyuk said the ICRC was informed Saturday morning by the authorities about the release of Swiss Andreas Notter. She, however, said that no one from the ICRC has been able to talk or see the Swiss national.

"We are relieved to hear about the latest news on Andreas," she said. She added that the ICRC is now in contact with Notter's family to inform them that the humanitarian worker has been released.

Meanwhile, deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said in a text message that Malacañang is optimistic the people handling the kidnapping crisis will be able to “secure the safe release” of the Italian ICRC worker.

ABS-CBN correspondent Ina Reformina, who has been waiting for developments in Sulu, reported that some media personnel have seen Notter.

Reformina reported that Notter appeared to have lost weight.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro broke the news about Notter's release over radio dzMM.

Teodoro said Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan called him up around 7:30 a.m. and informed him that Notter was already at his home in Barangay Asturias in Jolo. Reports said Notter was brought to Tan's home around 6 a.m.

Teodoro said that according to 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.

"Hindi ko sigurado kung pinalaya ito o nakatakbo ito (I'm not sure if he was released or he was able to run)," the defense chief told radio dzMM.

Teodoro, however, said there's a big possibility that Notter escaped because of the military cordon around the Abu Sayyaf lair.

"Baka ang cordon natin ay humigpit or umurong sila sa ibang lugar, baka nakatakbo si Notter. Tandaan natin si Notter ay dating sundalo (Maybe the cordon tightened and the Abu Sayyaf retreated and Notter was able to run. Remember, Notter is a former soldier)," he said.

Radio dzMM, meanwhile, reported that according to a police official in Jolo town, the Abu Sayyaf bandits holding Notter and Vagni, tried to breach the military cordon deep in Indanan town.

The report said the kidnappers scampered after being spotted by policemen and the CEF members, leaving behind Notter.

The radio report added that according to Director General Jesus Verzosa, Philippine National Police chief, Notter was being debriefed at the Sulu governor's home. The Swiss national is also undergoing medical check up.

Teodoro and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno have joined other top military and police officials in Tan's home.

The two foreigners were with another ICRC worker, Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, when kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits near the Sulu provincial capitol in Patikul town last January 15.

Lacaba was released by the bandits to Sulu Vice-Governor Nur-ana Sahidula last April 2.