After being instrumental in the release of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) hostage Mary Jean Lacaba two weeks ago, Sulu Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla said on Friday that she is temporarily backing down from kidnapping negotiations in order to give way to Muslim clerical organizations.

Sahidulla said the Bishop Ulama Council is capable of convincing the kidnappers to release two remaining ICRC hostages Italian Eugenio Vagni and Swiss Andreas Notter without having to pay ransom. The victims are being held by the Abu Sayyaf Group led by commander Al Bader Parad in Sulu.

However, Sahidulla said that backing down does not mean she will no longer help in the negotiations for the release of the humanitarian workers. She said she would gladly oblige if the ASG bandits would insist on her help.

"It is ok [if the ASG demands to negotiate only with me]. But if I am chosen, I want to negotiate alone because if there are too many people involved in negotiations, there is intrigue," she said.

The vice governor said she was especially worried about the condition of Vagni. Sahidulla said that when she met with the Abu Sayyaf during Lacaba's release, Vagni had clasped her hands and said, "How about us?"

'New strategy'

Meanwhile, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan said a new strategy has been considered in their meeting on the efforts to rescue the two remaining captive Red Cross workers, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Swiss national Andreas Notter. Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba was released in early April.

Tan, however, would not elaborate on the so-called new strategy that the Sulu crisis management committee has been considering. The Sulu governor, who is the chair of the crisis management committee, said there have been new emissaries sent to renew negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf bandit group holding the two foreign aid workers.

The Abu Sayaff Group earlier renewed their demand for a total military pullout in the two municipalities of Parang and Indanan in Sulu.

Tan said they will not give in to the demand of the kidnappers, unless the ASG releases one or both hostages. The crisis management committee, Tan said, was still sticking to the no-ransom policy in dealing with the kidnapping crisis.

Tan said, however, that they are expecting good and positive developments in the renewed negotiation with the Abu Sayaff.

The Sulu governor said he cannot yet tell if the kidnappers will release the hostages.

He disclosed that in his last communication with Abu Sayaff leader Albader Parad, he said he found out that the two remaining hostages still unharmed.

Since then, Tan said, there has been no communication with the bandit group.