MANILA - Francesco Vagni did not believe at first that his brother, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worker Eugenio of Italy, has been freed by his captors Sunday in Sulu province in Mindanao.

He finally believed the good news after ABS-CBN News desk in Manila sent him an e-mail showing pictures of Eugenio's release.

Francesco explained that his family needed proof of Eugenio’s release after their hopes were put off in April when it was reported that Eugenio was abandoned in the wilderness during a military rescue operation in Sulu province.

But upon confirmation that his youngest sibling is safe and live, Francesco was overwhelmed with joy. He and his siblings also got a chance to talk to Eugenio on the phone.

Francesco said in Italian that he wants to hug and be with his brother after almost six months of captivity.

He even commented that he does not care if there was a ransom payment as long as Eugenio is safe.

Francesco then celebrated Eugenio’s freedom by making a toast with Montevarcchi Mayor Sergio Valentini. Montevarcchi, which is 30 minutes away from Florence, is the hometown of the Vagnis.

Valentini disclosed that a grand homecoming awaits Eugenio in Italy.

Relief, happy event

Frederico Lombardi, spokesman for the Vatican, said the release was a “relief.” Pope Benedict XVI himself called for the release of Vagni last month.

Francesco Rocca, head of the Italian Red Cross, remarked that Vagni’s release was “an immensely happy event.” 

Rocca revealed: “We are preparing a big celebration.”

In a statement, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it is “relieved and happy that Mr. Vagni will soon be back with his family and friends.”

Jean-Daniel Tauxe, the head of the ICRC's delegation in the Philippines, thanked Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Sulu Vice Gov. Lady Ann Sahidulla, the military and police for Vagni’s freedom.   

Amid the rejoicing, however, Martin Mc Dermott, ICRC Regional Delegate to armed and security forces, was worried that the abduction and release of Vagni will have an effect on their regular humanitarian activities in Mindanao, particularly in Sulu.

He quickly clarified, however, that the organization will not stop its humanitarian efforts. He said there will just be an assessment of projects before sending in their people.

Vagni, 62, was abducted in Patikul town on Jan. 15, 2009 with 44-year-old Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba and 38-year-old Andreas Notter from Switzerland. They were working on a Water and Sanitation Project in Jolo Provincial Jail. Lacaba was freed on April 2 while Notter was released on April 18.

Vagni has been with the ICRC for the last eight years as a Davao-based sanitation engineer.

No ransom

In a statement, the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman Sen. Richard Gordon expressed delight over Vagni’s release.

“We shall not forget however that this kidnapping claimed lives of military and policemen who offered their lives to protect and enforce the law,” the senator said, adding:

“We grieve with the families and loved ones of those who died and suffered because of this crisis.”

The PNRC chief also reiterated that the ordeal ended “without ransom being paid.”

“No ransom exchanged hands for Vagni's (release) and so with Lacaba and Notter,” he said.

“Once we pay ransom, then all Red Cross workers and volunteers would be susceptible to possible abduction in the future not only here but also anywhere in the world,” he explained. With reports from Danny Buenafe, ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau chief, Jewel Reyes, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga, and Agence-France Presse