Senator calls for safe release of Italian hostage

Manila: A Philippine senator and a foreign official of the Red Cross called for the safe release of an Italian aid worker as government forces and Islamist militants clashed intensely in the southern Philippines, reports said.

In search of Eugenio Vagni of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), policemen and civilian emergency forces began attacking the Abu Sayyaf group on Wednesday, a military report said.

"Igasan's camp is composed of 30 to 50 people. They have been carrying Vagni on a hammock," said military spokesman Brigadier General Gaudencio Pangilinan.

"We are preventing Igasan's camp from connecting with a bigger Abu Sayyaf group which is believed to be preparing to bring Igasan's camp, including the Italian hostage, to the sea," said Pangilinan.

"Because of this report, we have set up naval blockades near Jolo's coastal villages to contain the Abu Sayyaf Group that is holding Vagni. We have to pursue them and remain close to them to make sure they will not escape," said Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno.

Expressing apprehension over the green light given by local government officials in Jolo for a military rescue operation for Vagni, Senator Richard Gordon said in a radio interview, "the safety of Vagni might be compromised."

With inputs from Rafael Juan and Camcer Ordonez, Jolo and Zamboanga Correspondents.