CBCP chief pleads for abducted ICRC workers' release

MANILA, Philippines - The head of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) made a plea Tuesday for the release of three abducted International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representatives. In an article posted on the CBCP website, CBCP president Angel Lagdameo asked the captors of the three ICRC staff members to release their victims safely "out of compassion." Lagdameo said the abducted ICRC personnel have not done harm to anybody and have, in fact, been helping those in need. "I'm praying and hoping that they will be soon released out of compassion," Lagdameo said . The hostages – Swiss Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipina Marie Jean Lacaba – were snatched allegedly by a group of Abu Sayyaf terrorists under Albader Parad Thursday last week in Patikul town, shortly after inspecting a water and sanitation project. Red Cross officials, citing calls from the three hostages, on Monday said the captives are in good condition. - GMANews.TV