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Philippine authorities seek peaceful release of Italian hostage
The Philippines has called for the suspension of military operations to allow local government officials to renew negotiations for the release of Eugenio Vagni, an Italian Red Cross worker, who was abducted in the south by militants last January, a local newspaper said.
- By Barbara Mae Dacanay, Bureau Chief
- Published: 22:56 June 23, 2009
Manila: The Philippines has called for the suspension of military operations to allow local government officials to renew negotiations for the release of Eugenio Vagni, an Italian Red Cross worker, who was abducted in the south by militants last January, a local newspaper said.
"We are willing to consider the temporary cessation of pursuit operations in favour of some communication just so we can try to explore other means to resolve this. I think right now there is an effort to reopen several lines of communication to avert hostilities while discussions are going on," Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno told the Inquirer.
Vagni was out of reach for weeks as government forces pursued Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) commander Al Bader Parad, who is believed to be holding Vagni in a village in Indanan town, Jolo.
The government has been pursuing three new means to reach out to the ASG commander, Puno said. He did not give details.
Meanwhile, military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Romeo Brawner Jr. said the ASG commander has turned over Vagni to a smaller group which is based in a populated area in Indanan, Sulu.
"There is a big possibility that Vagni is not anymore with the main group and that he is being kept in a populated area. That is the assessment of General Juancho Sabban who is head of the operation on the ground," Brawner said.
Vagni together with Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba and Swiss Andreas Notter were abducted by the ASG in Jolo on January 15.
Lacaba was released on April 2, Notter on April 18.
Earlier, there were reports that Parad was wounded during clashes with government forces.
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