Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan and President Gloria Arroyo. COTABATO CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 03, 2009) – Governor Datu Zaldy Ampatuan of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao praised the local government of Sulu for the safe release of a Filipino Abu Sayyaf hostage Mary Jean Lacaba.
Lacaba was freed by the Abu Sayyaf late Thursday in the town of Indanan after more than 70 days in captivity. Two others are still being held captive – Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni in Sulu’s jungle.
“I laud the LGU officials of Sulu, military and PNP for their efforts for the safe release of Lacaba,” Ampatuan said in a statement.
The Red Cross workers were kidnapped January 15 after they inspected a humanitarian project at a prison in Patikul town.
Ampatuan appealed to the Abu Sayyaf to release the remaining hostages. He also appealed for prayers for the safety of Notter and Vagni.
“I am appealing to all for more prayers for the safe release of the two remaining hostages still in the hands of the abductors,” he said.
Lacaba was released to Sulu Vice Governor Nur Anna Sahidulla, the government’s emissary to the Abu Sayyaf. The release of Lacaba came two days after Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, the head of the government task force negotiating for the freedom of the captives, declared a state of emergency in the province.
Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Lacaba was freed because of the mounting military pressure and the campaign against terrorism after Tan’s declaration of the state of emergency.
Sulu is one of six provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. (Mindanao Examiner)
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