UP Ibalon Bicol: release

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Missionary Michael Sinnott freed by kidnappers

11/12/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

The 79–year old Columban missionary Fr. Michael Sinnott who was kidnapped in Pagadian City in Mindanao was released by his captors. he was turned over to ambassador Rafael Seguis and peace negotiator Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Sealana.

According to reports, the Irish priest was brought by members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at dawn to government authorities in a Muslim community. The separatist group had been suspected of orchestrating the abduction. Officials said there was no ransom paid even if $2 million was demanded by the kidnappers especially at the time of election.

Sinnott’s walk to freedom came hours before US State Secretary Hillary Clinton was to arrive in the Philippines. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP,) was happy upon knowing the religious missionary was set free.

His release brought a sigh or relief after the public was fearful and furious over the barbaric beheading of an elementary school principal in Patikul, Sulu. In a month's time from October 11 to November 11, seven (7) documented abductions were reported in Southern Philippines. This suggested that their kidnapping and that of Sinott'swon't be the last.

Though the old religious worker didn't show physical injuries as a result of his captivity, the emotional harm on the kidnapping victim and his familly could be enormous. It is appalling that innocent civilians, some old enough to be a great grandpa, had been used as pawns in the game the bandits play with the government. (Photo Credit: newsyahoo.com) =0=

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Labels: Fr. Michael Sinnott, Freedom, kidnapping, MILF, Mindanao, ransom, release, Totie Mesia

ICRC hostage crisis: Abu Sayyaf’s Swiss captive freed

4/18/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

A sketchy report from Jolo, Sulu disclosed that International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worker, Andreas Notter, a Swiss national had been freed by Abu Sayyaf bandits who held him captive in Mindanao, Philippines since January 15, 2009.

Along with Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, Notter is the second of three ICRC hostages to be freed. Abandoned by his captors in Indanan town, the humanitarian worker arrived at the house of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan on Friday, April 17, 2009, according to Col. Edgard Arevalo, the spokesman of Task Force ICRC.

The details of the release are not yet known. This happy development leaves only Eugenio Vagni, an Italian citizen as the only hostage being held by the dreaded extremists who are linked with the terrorist Al-Qaeda group. It is uncertain whether the $5 million ransom demanded by the kidnappers headed by Albader Parad had been paid. (Photo Credits: Inquirer: AFP/ ICRC) =0=

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Labels: Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni, Freedom, Gov. Abdusakur Tan, hostages, ICRC, Jolo, Mary Jean Lacaba, release, Sulu, Totie Mesia

ICRC worker Mary Jean Lacaba freed by Abu Sayyaf bandits

4/03/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

After 78 days in captivity, Filipina hostage Mary Jean Lacaba has been freed by the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers. The fates of two of her companions, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) humanitarian workers Andreas Notter of Switzerland and Eugenio Vagni of Italy are not known.

Though Alain Aeschlimann, regional operations chief for the ICRC, disclosed he doesn’t have information on the condition of the two other hostages, Foreign Minister of Italy Franco Frattini was reported to have said the two hostages are alive.

Thirty-seven year old Lacaba who endured the hostage ordeal since her abduction on January 15, 2009 was abandoned by the Islamic extremists on April 2, 2009. The ICRC worker was fetched in Barangay Palig in the border of Indanan and Parang at about 7 P.M. and was brought to a hospital for evaluation and treatment.

The release of Lacaba comes when government authorities prepare to evacuate an estimated 21,000 residents who may be caught in a crossfire if confrontations between the bandits and the military forces occur. (Photo Credit: AFP/ ICRC) =0=

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Labels: Abu Sayyaf, Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni, Freedom, hostages, kidnapping, Mary Jean Lacaba, release, Sulu, Totie Mesia

UP Ibalon Bicol

Missionary Michael Sinnott freed by kidnappers

ICRC hostage crisis: Abu Sayyaf’s Swiss captive freed

ICRC worker Mary Jean Lacaba freed by Abu Sayyaf bandits

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