PNRC hits rude handling over workers' release

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) is getting the "second-class citizen" treatment in efforts to free three Red Cross workers abducted last month, Sen. Richard Gordon complained Friday. Gordon, who chairs the PNRC, said he was being treated as if he knew nothing about the situation, while his suggestions were quickly dismissed. "Pag nakakausap ko ang PACER, LGU at national defense pag may sina-suggest kami ang tingin sa amin para kaming hindi nakakaintindi [When I talk to the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response, local government units and national defense, our suggestions are quickly dismissed, and we are treated as if we know nothing about the nature of the case]," he said in an interview on dzXL radio. He said he can only reiterate his call to the police and military to refrain from using force in efforts to free the three workers. We in the Red Cross just keep quiet and do what we have to, he added. On January 15, members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) abducted Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni and Mary Jean Lacaba in Sulu. The ASG also issued a supposed letter where they said they want military operations in Sulu province to stop in exchange for the release of the three. 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. Another precondition set by the group was to allow popular personalities to act as emissary for the release of the captives. - GMANews.TV