Kidnapped Red Cross worker Eugenio Vagni contacted his family again Friday morning, more than three months after his abduction in the southern Philippines.

"He was able to call his family on the morning of Friday 8 May. However, the entire situation is difficult for his loved ones, who of course remain very worried about him. We are keenly aware of the distress they are feeling," said Alain Aeschlimann, International Committee of the Red Cross head of operations for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific.

Vagni, along with Swiss Andreas Notter and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf while inspecting a sanitation project in a prison on Jolo island in southern Philippines on January 15. Notter walked to freedom on April 18 while Lacaba was freed on April 2.

Aeschlimann said the ICRC is in constant contact with local authorities to learn the status of the kidnapped Italian. "We want Eugenio and his family to know that every possible step is being taken to bring about his release. We are not discussing these efforts in detail, however, as doing so could make it harder to achieve our aim," he said.

He said the ICRC has not received any ransom demand for Vagni, nor is it offering to pay for the ICRC worker's release.

"It is important to make it clear that the ICRC's policy is not to pay ransoms in the event that any of its staff are kidnapped. There are no exceptions under this policy. Let me also say very plainly that the ICRC is not offering to pay - and will not pay - for information on Eugenio.

"We have repeatedly stated our position on these matters throughout the crisis. It is extremely upsetting that rumours of this kind nevertheless continue to circulate, as they could potentially jeopardize the ICRC's work in other conflict zones and sensitive areas around the world - not only in the Philippines," he said.

Soldiers, policemen and civilian forces have put up a cordon in Indanan, Sulu where the group of Abu Sayyaf Commander Albader Parad is allegedly holding Vagni.