Sayyaf group admits custody of 3 ICRC workers in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines - The terrorist group Abu Sayyaf has admitted that it is holding captive the three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff seized in southern Philippines last January 15. A report on GMA News' "24 Oras" said the rebel group made the admission in a letter sent to Sulu Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla. GMA News reporter Chino Gaston said in his report that the kidnappers handed out the letter to Sahidulla when the official brought clothes, food, and medicine to the victims in their hideout in Sulu province last Sunday. The medicines were delivered after Task Force ICRC issued a bulletin saying one of the hostages, Eugenio Vagni, an Italian, was suffering from hypertension. In the letter, the Abu Sayyaf said they want military operations in Sulu province to stop in exchange for the release of Vagni, Andreas Notter, and Mary Jean Lacaba. The letter, reportedly written in English, was signed by Abu Sayyaf leaders Abu Jumdail alias Doctor Abu, Raddulan Sahiron alias "Kumander Putol," and Kumander Alabader Parad, among others. Emissaries Another precondition set by the group was to allow popular personalities to act as emissary for the release of the captives. The report said Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan will likely reject it. "Parang nakakahiya naman. Nandirito ang ating pamahalang pinamumunuan natin ay kailangan pang pasukan ng iba. Ngunit pag hindi naman ito napayagan marami pa tayong ibang options," Tan said. [It is embarrassing. We have the local government here and why do we need the intervention of several personalities? We still have other options.] Among the personalities the group wanted to act as emissaries are Tan and Vice President Noli de Castro, as well as several ambassadors, congressmen and senators. The military, for their part, said the pull out of troops is not an option. "Their main demand is to pull out which is not acceptable," said Task Force Comet head Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban Authorities said they have already pinpointed the lair of the kidnappers. The report also quoted authorities as saying that they have received information that a growing number of armed men were looking after the victims, which reportedly showed the abductors readiness to fight the government in case rescue operations are launched. "Doing fine" But despite reports that Vagni was suffering from hypertension, the ICRC said its three abducted workers had claimed to be "doing fine." ICRC head of operations for East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Alain Aeschlimann said Monday the three were "in good health" when they last called them last weekend. "They were able to make contact over the weekend by phone. We spoke to all three and they continue to say they are doing fine," Aeschlimann said in an article on the ICRC website. "We admire their strength of character and bravery in enduring this difficult situation. Their families and loved ones, who miss them very much, are also showing real stoicism. Eugenio, Mary Jean and Andreas are constantly in our thoughts," he added. Packages Aeschlimann said they had sent packages to the hostages that contained medication, books and other personal effects. "We provided the materials to the local authorities in Jolo on Sulu Island on Saturday afternoon. We don't know the precise details of how it reached them but we are happy that it did," he said. But when asked who would need the medication, he said health information is private and personal. "Nobody would want to have their medical history made available around the world. According to our conversations with the three, they are in good health," he said. Aeschlimann declined to say what the ICRC is doing to free the hostages. The official said: "[This is a] very delicate situation" and that "we must be cautious not to compromise the safety of our colleagues or the chances of securing their rapid and unconditional release." On the other hand, he said the ICRC appreciates the support of Philippine National Red Cross chairman Sen. Richard Gordon. "We thank him for his efforts in trying to find a solution to this difficult situation," he said. - Aie See Balagtas, GMANews.TV