Sulu vice-gov ready for probe on P50K for Abus
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 07/20/2009 3:30 PM
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MANILA - Sulu Vice-Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla said she is ready to face any probe over the cash she gave the Abu Sayyaf for the release of Eugenio Vagni.
Sahidulla admitted giving the Abu Sayyaf P50,000 in what she calls "goodwill money,” but insisted it came from her own pocket and was not ransom payment.
Last week, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teorodo asked the justice department to investigate Sahidulla.
Meanwhile, Vagni is back in his hometown of Montevarchi in Arrezo, Italy.
Vagni's relatives and friends, and even members of the Filipino community, joined the homecoming celebration for the Red Cross worker.
In a press conference over the weekend, Vagni recalled his ordeal in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.
His family said they're overjoyed to be reunited with Eugenio.
Vagni and fellow Red Cross volunteers Mary Jean Lacaba and Andreas Notter were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in January while on a humanitarian mission in Jolo.
Lacaba and Notter were released separately in April, while Vagni was released last July 12.
The armed forces, meantime, is confident it can defeat the Abu Sayyaf by the end of this year.
Military spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said the Abu Sayyaf's number has dwindled to just 300 from about 700 some years back.
Brawner added that aside from intense pressure from the military, the Abu Sayyaf has also been weakened by squabbling among its leaders.
Teodoro ordered an all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf last week following the release of Vagni. -- reports from ANC
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