Journalists finish ICRC workshop on Int'l Humanitarian Law

Anastasia Isyuk, of the International Committee of the Red Cross, gestures during a media workshop on Saturday, September 25, 2010 in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. (Best available photo - Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Sept. 25, 2010) – More than two dozen journalists have finished Saturday a media workshop on International Humanitarian Law and Reporting Conflict in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.

The International Committee of the Red Cross led by Anastasia Isyuk and Christophe Gillioz conducted the one-day workshop held at the Lantaka Hotel. Victor Redmond Batario, the executive director of the International News Safety Institute, also discussed about safety of journalists.

Isyuk, the ICRC communication coordinator, spoke about the organization’s operation in the Philippines and briefed journalists about the International Humanitarian Law. He also talked about safety of journalists and conflict reportage.

Gillioz, the head of the ICRC office in Zamboanga City, briefly discussed about his group’s humanitarian efforts.

They were also joined by Gabriel Daclan and Allison Lopez, both ICRC communication officers. Daclan spoke about the ICRC in Mindanao and humanitarian missions in the southern region.

Dr Rene Guioguio, ICRC political and communication adviser, also talked about the organization’s relationship with the media and its role in reporting conflict and humanitarian issues.

The ICRC team showed videos of the organization’s operations around the world and safety of journalists. Most of the journalists who attended the workshop came from as far as Sulu, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Sur and Cotabato provinces. (Mindanao Examiner)

Unforgettable Images of War

An exhibition of photographs chronicling a century and a half of conflict documented by the International Committee of the Red Cross is currently being held at the Kidapawan City Hall.

The exhibit offers a unique and first-hand look at what war and armed violence do to people’s lives – from the heartbreaking loneliness of an elderly woman made homeless by last year’s war between Georgia and Russia to the unbridled joy of two brothers reunited after being separated by fighting in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Forty unforgettable images of war-torn Afghanistan, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Haiti, Lebanon, Liberia, and the Philippines by renowned war photographers Ron Haviv, James Nachtwey, Antonin Kratochvil, Franco Pagetti and Christopher Morris will be on display. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Geo Solmerano)

Bentahan ng food ration, talamak sa ARMM

MAGUINDANAO (Mindanao Examiner / June 4, 2009) – Talamak diumano ang bentahan ng mga food rations sa ibat-ibang refugee shelters sa Maguindanao, isa sa limang lalawigan ng magulong Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

Napipilitan umanong ibenta ng mga refugees ang kanilang mga bigas, noodles at mga de-lata upang makabili ng mas disenteng pagkain tulad ng isda at gatas sa mga bata. Sawa-sawang na umano ang mga ito sa paulit-ulit na kinakain sa loob ng maraming buwan na panantili sa mga shelters.

Karamihan sa mga food aid ay galing sa International Committee of the Red Cross at World Food Program. Sinasamantala naman ng mga negosyante ang sitwasyon ng mga refugee at binibili ng mga ito ang mga supplies sa murang halaga at saka naman ibibenta sa ibang lugar na halos ka-presyo na ng mabibili sa supermarket.

Malakas rin ang ugong na may mga grupong nagbebenta ng mga food aid at ni hindi na umano ito nakakarating sa mga refugees. Ilang ulit rin na nabalitang nahaharang ng mga armado ang mga truck ng bigas mula sa ICRC at WFP at nabebenta rin at ang iba naman ay napupunta sa mga rebeldeng Moro sa lalawigan.

May mga kaso rin ng mga refugee na nagbabayad ng kanilang food ration o kaya ay ginagamit itong kolateral sa mga bayaran sa pagamutan sa tuwing magkakasakit ang kanilang mga anak.

Naunang sinabi ng Moro Islamic Liberation Front na mahigit sa 600,000 katao ang apektado ng opensiba ng militar sa Mindanao at karamihan sa mga ito ay nasa mga refugee shelters sa Maguindanao at ibang bahagi ng ARMM.

Sinisi naman ni MILF leader Eid Kabalu ang pamunuan ng ARMM dahil sa lumalalang sitwasyon ng kahirapan sa Maguindanao at sa patuloy na kaguluhan doon.

“Ni hindi nga makausap o makita ng mga tao si ARMM Gov. Zaldy Ampatuan. Ni hindi nga nagpupunta sa mga refugee shelters si Ampatuan at madalas eh nasa Maynila o kaya ay nasa abroad. Ganoon rin yun kapatid na gobernador ng Maguindanao, si Andal Jr. at hindi rin makausap ng mga kawawang mga refugees,” ani Kabalu.

Ayon naman sa mga press statement ng ARMM ay hindi nagkukulang ng atensyon ang mga refugees at nabibigyan naman ng tulong mula kay Ampatuan. (May dagdag na ulat si Ferdinandh Cabrera)

Philippine troops clash with Sayyaf; fate of Italian hostage unknown

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 12, 2009) – Government troops clashed Tuesday with suspected Abu Sayyaf militants in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where the group is holding a kidnapped Italian aid worker, military reports said.

It said the clash broke out in the hinterland of Indanan town where security forces are pursuing the kidnappers of Eugenio Vagni, a staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross.

There were no reports of casualties or news about Vagni, who was kidnapped January 15 in Patikul town with fellow aid workers Andreas Notter, a Swiss national and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba. Both Lacaba and Notter had been released separately last month.

Last week, Abu Sayyaf militants ambushed a police convoy in Indanan town and killed five people, one of them the provincial police chief Julasirim Kasim. Four militants, among them as former soldier, were also killed by police forces.

Aside from Vagni, another faction of the Abu Sayyaf is also holding captive Xili Wu, a Chinese trader kidnapped also in Jolo town in December last year.

In February, the Abu Sayyaf freed a Chinese bakery owner, Dionghan Que, they seized in Jolo town. Que snatched while on his way home on a motorcycle. (Mindanao Examiner)

Italian aid worker held by Abu Sayyaf phones family

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / May 9, 2009) – An Italian aid worker being held by Filipino and Indonesian terrorists in the southern Philippine province of Sulu has phoned his family, but details of the conversation were not released, the International Committee of the Red Cross said.

It said Eugenio Vagni called on Friday, a day after Abu Sayyaf terrorists ambushed and killed five policemen in Sulu’s Maimbung town. Among the killed was the provincial police chief, Julasirim Kasim.

“He was able to call his family on the morning of Friday. However, the entire situation is difficult for his loved ones, who of course remain very worried about him. We are keenly aware of the distress they are feeling,” said Alain Aeschlimann, the ICRC's head of operations for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific.

“At the ICRC, we also remain very worried about Eugenio's safety and well-being. His captivity is an agony for him, for his family and friends, and for the entire ICRC. We earnestly hope that the abductors will release Eugenio safe and sound, and that they will do so immediately, without imposing any conditions,” he added.

Vagni was last reported to be ill and suffering from hernia and is being held by Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya terrorists in Indanan town near Maimbung where Kasim’s group was pursuing them. His last phone call to his wife was on April 30.

Aeschlimann has repeatedly appealed for Vagni’s safe release and assured his family that the ICRC is closely working with Philippine authorities.

“We are doing everything we can. Many people are working behind the scenes to resolve the crisis, and we are grateful for their efforts. We are in constant contact with the authorities in the Philippines and Italy, who are monitoring developments closely.”

”We want Eugenio and his family to know that every possible step is being taken to bring about his release. We are not discussing these efforts in detail, however, as doing so could make it harder to achieve our aim,” he said.

Aeschlimann also denied Philippine media reports that the kidnappers have demanded ransom for Vagni’s freedom.

“Let me say once again that the ICRC has not received any demand for ransom since this crisis began. It is important to make it clear that the ICRC's policy is not to pay ransoms in the event that any of its staff are kidnapped. There are no exceptions under this policy. Let me also say very plainly that the ICRC is not offering to pay – and will not pay – for information on Eugenio.”
“We have repeatedly stated our position on these matters throughout the crisis. It is extremely upsetting that rumors of this kind nevertheless continue to circulate, as they could potentially jeopardize the ICRC's work in other conflict zones and sensitive areas around the world – not only in the Philippines,” he said.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has ordered soldiers and policemen to rescue Vagni, the last of three international Red Cross workers seized January 15 in the town of Patikul where they inspected a humanitarian project at a prison facility.

The Abu Sayyaf had released Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba on April 2 and police forces rescued Swiss national Andreas Notter on April 18 in Sulu’s Indanan town.

American troops stationed in Sulu Island had been assisting the local military by providing intelligence about the Abu Sayyaf. Filipino authorities said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists, among them Mauiya and probably Dulmatin, Umar Patek and Zulkifli bin Hir, are believed to be with the militants holding Vagni. The US offered as much as $18 million bounties for their capture.

The Abu Sayyaf had previously threatened to behead the hostages if security do not pull out from Sulu and this prompted the governor to put the island under state of emergency and ordered a crackdown on suspected supporters of the militant group.

Authorities blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the spate of bomb attacks and kidnappings-for-ransom. In 2001, the group kidnapped three US citizens from a posh resort in Palawan province in central Philippines and brought them to Basilan Island, south of Zamboanga City where they beheaded one hostage. (Mindanao Examiner)

Italian hostage held by Sayyaf in the Philippines phones wife

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 30, 2009) – An Italian aid worker being held captive by Philippine Abu Sayyaf terrorists on a southern island has phoned his wife late Thursday, the television network ABS-CBN reported.

Eugenio Vagni called his wife at around 8.30 p.m. to say that he is alive, but details of their conversation were not made public. The Abu Sayyaf is believed holding Vagni in the island of Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

ABS-CBN said Gwen Pang, the secretary-general of the Philippine National Red Cross has confirmed the conversation between Vagni and his wife.

Vagni was kidnapped January 15 along with Swiss national Andreas Notter and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba, all are working for the International Committee of the Red Cross. The trio was seized after inspecting a water and sanitation project at a prison in Patikul town.

Police said the Abu Sayyaf freed Lacaba on April 2 while Notter was rescued on April 18 in the hinterlands of Indanan town. But media reports claimed the duo was allegedly released in exchange for huge ransoms.

Authorities said among those holding Vagni were members of the Indonesian terror group Jemaah Islamiya. Security forces have surrounded the hinterlands in Indanan town to prevent the Abu Sayyaf from escaping with their captive. (Mindanao Examiner)

Police tightens security in Sulu after Sayyaf clash

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 27, 2009) – Police said it tightened security in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where Abu Sayyaf militants are holding the last of three kidnapped Italian aid worker Eugenio Vagni.

Police on Monday said the militants holding Vagni have split into smaller groups and the fate of the ailing Italian is unknown. “They have split into smaller groups to confuse security forces tracking them down,” Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the provincial police chief, told the Mindanao Examiner by phone.

He said another Abu Sayyaf faction in the town of Talipao was trying to link up with the group holding Vagni in Indanan town. Two Abu Sayyaf militants were killed and two other wounded in a clash April 24 with policemen in Talipao town, Kasim said.

He said a government school in Indanan town was also torched by unidentified men on Sunday in Indanan town, just 100 meter from a military post.

“We have tightened our security in Sulu, especially in Talipao, Indanan and the Parang town to prevent the Abu Sayyaf from regrouping or escaping the cordon around those areas,” Kasim said.

Manila has offered P500,000 reward for anybody who could provide information about Vagni, who is suffering from hernia.

Vagni and Swiss national Andreas Notter and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba, all workers of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), were kidnapped January 15 after inspecting a humanitarian project in Patikul town.

Police said it rescued Notter in Indanan town on April 18 after the Abu Sayyaf tried to escape from a cordon guarded by armed civilians. On April 2, Filipino Red Cross staff Mary Jean Lacaba was released by the Abu Sayyaf.

Alain Aeschlimann, the ICRC head of operations for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific, has repeatedly appealed for Vagni’s safe release.

“Andreas Notter last saw Eugenio on April 16 when they were separated. Since then the ICRC has not received any news. All of us at the ICRC are very concerned about Eugenio,” he said.

“For Eugenio's family, the nightmare of this abduction continues. His baby daughter is growing fast, and she has not seen her father for a hundred days. We hope that he will have her in his arms again very soon. There will be no rest for any of us until this crisis is resolved.”

Unconfirmed media reports said Vagni was handed over by his captors to another armed group in Sulu after Notter’s rescue. There were also reports that Lacaba and Notter were freed by the Abu Sayyaf in exchange for ransoms, but this was denied by authorities.

“We are aware of these reports and take them seriously. However, we have no further information on the matter. We are also renewing our appeal to the abductors' sense of humanity, especially in the light of Eugenio's medical situation. We urge them to release our colleague safe and sound, immediately and unconditionally,” Aeschlimann said.

The ICRC also appealed to the police and military to assure the safety of Vagni after several clashes between security and Abu Sayyaf forces in recent days.

“We maintain close contact with all those trying to find a solution to this crisis, in particular the local and national authorities. The ICRC reiterates that Eugenio’s safety is of paramount importance. We are once again asking all those involved in this crisis to avoid taking any action that could compromise Eugenio's safety. This is all the more important in view of his medical condition,” Aeschlimann said.

He said Lacaba and Notter were reunited with their families and despite the crisis the ICRC will continue to assist and protect the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence in the Philippines, particularly in Central Mindanao, where tens of thousands of families are still living in evacuation shelters because of the fighting between military and Muslim rebel forces. (Mindanao Examiner)

Security forces clashed with Abu Sayyaf in Sulu; fate of Italian hostage unknown

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 26, 2009) – Government forces clashed with the Abu Sayyaf on Sunday in the southern Philippine province where the militant group is holding a kidnapped Italian aid worker, officials said.

Officials said the fighting erupted in the hinterlands of Talipao town, but there were no reports of casualties. The Abu Sayyaf is holding Eugenio Vagni, the last of three international Red Cross workers seized snatched January 15 after inspecting a water and sanitation project in Patikul town.

“There was clash this morning. We still don’t know if there were Abu Sayyaf casualties in the fighting in Talipao,” said Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the Sulu police chief.

He said security forces are still tracking down Vagni who is being held by another Abu Sayyaf faction in Indanan town on the opposite side of Talipao. “We have no reports about Vagni,” he said.

Manila has offered P500,000 reward for anybody who could provide information about Vagni, who is ill and suffering from hernia.

Last week, police said it rescued Swiss aid worker Andreas Notter in Indanan town after the Abu Sayyaf tried to escape from a cordon guarded by armed civilians. On April 2, Filipino Red Cross staff Mary Jean Lacaba was released by the Abu Sayyaf.

Alain Aeschlimann, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) operations for East Asia, South-East Asia and the Pacific, has repeatedly appealed for Vagni’s safe release.
“Andreas Notter last saw Eugenio on April 16 when they were separated. Since then the ICRC has not received any news. All of us at the ICRC are very concerned about Eugenio,” he said.

“For Eugenio's family, the nightmare of this abduction continues. His baby daughter is growing fast, and she has not seen her father for a hundred days. We hope that he will have her in his arms again very soon. There will be no rest for any of us until this crisis is resolved.”

Unconfirmed media reports said Vagni was handed over by his captors to another armed group in Sulu after Notter’s rescue. There were also reports that Lacaba and Notter were freed by the Abu Sayyaf in exchange for ransoms, but this was denied by authorities.

“We are aware of these reports and take them seriously. However, we have no further information on the matter. We are also renewing our appeal to the abductors' sense of humanity, especially in the light of Eugenio's medical situation. We urge them to release our colleague safe and sound, immediately and unconditionally,” Aeschlimann said.

The ICRC also appealed to the police and military to assure the safety of Vagni after several clashes between security and Abu Sayyaf forces in recent days.

“We maintain close contact with all those trying to find a solution to this crisis, in particular the local and national authorities. The ICRC reiterates that Eugenio’s safety is of paramount importance. We are once again asking all those involved in this crisis to avoid taking any action that could compromise Eugenio's safety. This is all the more important in view of his medical condition,” Aeschlimann said.

He said Lacaba and Notter were reunited with their families and despite the crisis the ICRC will continue to assist and protect the victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence in the Philippines, particularly in Central Mindanao, where tens of thousands of families are still living in evacuation shelters because of the fighting between military and Muslim rebel forces. (Mindanao Examiner)

Red Cross hostage, parang bula na nawala sa Sulu

SULU (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 24, 2009) – Mistulang karayom sa malawak na kakahuyan ang paghahanap na isinasagawa ng militar at pulisya sa nalalabing Italyanong Red Cross hostage ng Abu Sayyaf sa Sulu province.

Tatlong araw ng pinaghahanap ng daan-daang mga sundalo at parak si Eugenio Vagni ngunit bigo pa rin ang mga ito na matagpuan ang dayuhan na sinasabing may sakit sa kabundukan ng Sulu.

Dalawang bayan ng Sulu – sa Indanan at Parang – ang Sentro ng search and rescue operation matapos na mahiwalay si Vagni sa kasamahang si Swiss national Andreas Notter na nailigtas naman ng mga parak nuong nakaraang linggo.

Inamin ni Notter na hirap na hirap si Vagni sa kanyang kalagayan dahil sa pamamaga ng mga bayag nito sanhi ng hernia. Si Notter ay nakabalik na sa kanyang bansa.

Unang pinalaya ng Abu Sayyaf nuong Abril 2 si Mary Jean Lacaba, ang kasamang Pinay nina Vagni at Notter. Dinukot ang tatlong nuong Enero 15 matapos na bisitahin ang isang humanitarian project sa bilangguan sa bayan ng Patikul.

Nag-alok na rin ang mga awtoridad ng P500,000 bilang pabuya sa sinumang makakapagturo ng kinaroroonan ni Vagni. Nauna kasing napaulat na ibinigay ng Abu Sayyaf sa ilalim ni Albader Parad si Vagni sa isang grupo ng mga rebelde, ngunit itinanggi naman ito ng militar.

Kamakalawa ay nagkaroon ng sagupaan sa bayan ng Talipao sa pagitan ng Abu Sayyaf at mga awtoridad, ngunit wala namang inulat na nasawi, ayon kay Sulu police chief Julasirim Kasim. (Mindanao Examiner)

Security forces pursuing Sayyaf holding Italian hostage move deeper into Sulu jungle

With Mount Tumatangis of the Mountain of Tears, Sulu's biggest mosque, the Tulay Masjid, is covered in mist. Security forces have mounted an operation Wednesday, April 22, 2009 in Sulu's thick jungle to rescue a kidnapped Italian Red Cross worker Eugenio Vagni.

(Mindanao Examiner Photo)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 22, 2009) – Filipino security forces tracking down a an Italian aid worker kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in January in the southern Sulu island have moved deeper into the jungle on Wednesday with orders to rescue the hostage.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan said he has ordered soldiers and policemen to rescue Eugenio Vagni, the last of three international Red Cross workers seized January 15 in the town of Patikul where they inspected a humanitarian project at a prison facility.

“We cannot wait forever for the Abu Sayyaf to decide when to free Vagni,” he said, adding, the safety of Vagni remains his top priority.

The Abu Sayyaf had released Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba on April 2 and police forces rescued Swiss national Andreas Notter on April 18 in Sulu’s Indanan town.

American troops stationed in Sulu Island had been assisting the local military by providing intelligence about the Abu Sayyaf. Filipino authorities said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists, among them Mauiya and probably Dulmatin, Umar Patek and Zulkifli bin Hir, are believed to be with the militants holding Vagni. The US offered as much as $18 million bounties for their capture.

Vagni is suffering from hernia and could hardly walk, Notter told authorities after his rescue. He said the Italian captive is ill.

Thousands of soldiers and policemen, including armed village guards, have surrounded a large area in Indanan’s jungle to prevent the Abu Sayyaf from escaping with their hostage.

The Abu Sayyaf had previously threatened to behead the hostages if security do not pull out from Sulu and this prompted the governor to put the island under state of emergency and ordered a crackdown on suspected supporters of the militant group.

Police said fighting erupted on Wednesday in Talipao town, but there were no immediate reports of casualties, said Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim.

“Our forces clashed with another group of the Abu Sayyaf in Talipao. We have no immediate reports of enemy casualties,” he said.

Authorities blamed the Abu Sayyaf for the spate of bomb attacks and kidnappings-for-ransom. In 2001, the group kidnapped three US citizens from a posh resort in Palawan province in central Philippines and brought them to Basilan Island, south of Zamboanga City where they beheaded one hostage. (Mindanao Examiner)

Police tightens security in Philippine province after rescue of Red Cross hostage

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 19, 2009) – Philippine authorities on Sunday tightened security around the town of Indanan in the southern Sulu province after the police rescue of a Swiss Red Cross hostage from the hands of Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Police and armed village guards rescued Andreas Notter on Saturday morning after the Abu Sayyaf tried to slip from a cordon. Italian aid worker Eugenio Vagni is still being held by the Abu Sayyaf and security officials said the captive is ill and suffering from hernia.

Bad weather and continuous rains are taking its toll on security forces guarding the cordon in Indanan town, but soldiers and policemen, including armed villagers continue to guard the town to prevent the kidnappers from escaping.

“We are more alert now after the failed escape of the Abu Sayyaf and the rescue of Notter. We have tightened the security cordon in Indanan and civilian volunteers are helping us guards the area to prevent the Abu Sayyaf from escaping with their hostage,” said Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the provincial police chief.

Notter said he and Vagni were separated by the Abu Sayyaf on Friday for a still unknown reason. Police intelligence reports also said that Vagni is alive, according to Kasim.

Notter and Vagni were kidnapped along with another Red Cross worker, Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba on January 15 after inspecting a humanitarian project at a prison in Patikul town. The woman was freed on April 2 amidst allegations that a huge ransom was paid to the Abu Sayyaf.

More policemen were sent to Sulu recently to augment thousands of soldiers and local police force to help secure the area where the hostages are being held.

The Abu Sayyaf has repeatedly threatened to kill the remaining hostages if the military and police do not pull out from several areas in Sulu.

Military and police intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are among the Abu Sayyaf that kidnapped the aid workers - Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek - who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks, including the Bali bombing in 2002. The United States has offered at least $16 million rewards for their capture.

The terrorists, in many occasions, had negotiated directly with the hostages’ families and the International Committee of the Red Cross and probably foreign governments for the safe release of their captives.

But it was unknown whether ransoms were paid to the Abu Sayyaf or Jemaah Islamiya either in Indonesia or Malaysia or even in the Philippines in exchange for the release of the aid workers.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan had repeatedly warned private negotiators against paying ransoms to the Abu Sayyaf, saying, the money would only finance terrorism and more kidnappings in the southern Philippines.

In 2001, the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped 21 mostly Western holidaymakers and Asian resort workers in a daring cross-border raid in Malaysia’s Sipadan Island and collected millions of dollars in ransoms from Libya which helped negotiate for the release of the hostages.

The group also kidnapped wealthy traders and civilians and ransomed them off and those who refused to pay are beheaded.

The Abu Sayyaf, whose name means “bearer of the sword” in Arabic, split from the larger Moro National Liberation Front, which signed a peace deal with Manila in 1996.

The United States listed the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist organization that boasts of ties to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network, as well as the Indonesian network of Jemaah Islamiya.

Philippine authorities said the Jemaah Islamiya terrorists fled to the southern Philippines the past years where they sought refuge under the protection of the Abu Sayyaf and rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group. (Mindanao Examiner)

Swiss Red Cross hostage rescued in Philippines

A photo released by the Sulu Provincial Government showed Swiss national Andreas Notter, of the International Committee of the Red Cross, after policemen and armed villagers rescued him from the Abu Sayyaf in Indanan town in Sulu province on Saturday, April 18, 2009. Notter is presented by Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan to Interior Secy. Ronaldo Puno and Defense chief Gilberto Toeodoro. The Abu Sayyaf is still holding Italian Red Cross hostage Eugenio Vagni, both men and Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba were kidnapped January 15 in Sulu. Lacaba was freed on April 2 in Indanan town. (Best available photo / Caption by the Mindanao Examiner)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 18) – Police forces and armed civilians have rescued Saturday one of two foreign Red Cross workers kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.

Swiss national Andreas Notter was rescued as the Abu Sayyaf tried to spirit him from police cordon at around 5.30 a.m. in Indanan town, sources said. Aside from the Swiss, the Abu Sayyaf is still holding Italian hostage Eugenio Vagni, but he was not with the group that held Notter.

Policemen and armed villagers, led by Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the Sulu police chief, were guarding the area when they spotted Notter along with a group of armed men and pursued them until the Swiss hostage was rescued.

“The Abu Sayyaf guards were overwhelmed by police forces and armed villagers and they had no choice but to leave Notter behind. He was later brought to the house of Governor Sakur Tan, who is the head of the crisis management committee,” said one source privy to the rescue operation.

It was unknown how the Abu Sayyaf managed to pass through a military cordon in the town’s jungle undetected by soldiers.

But hundreds of policemen and armed village guards have also put up a cordon near the highways in Indanan to prevent the Abu Sayyaf from escaping. It was near the area where they intercepted Notter’s group.

The military insisted troops found Notter and that he was abandoned by the Abu Sayyaf because of pressure exerted by the cordon set up by soldiers in the jungle.

Tan presented the freed hostage to Defense chief Gilberto Teodoro and Interior Secy. Ronaldo Puno at his house. They later held a press conference at the Provincial Capitol where Notter thanked the authorities for his rescue.

“I would like to thank you all. I know all of you have a lot of sacrifices. I would like to thank the authorities of course, the security forces, thank very much,” Notter said.

He said Vagni is still alive, but is very ill. “Eugenio Vagni is injured. He must be released as soon as possible,” Notter said.

Tan said Notter was rescued and brought to his home where the Swiss man was given food. “He is okay and we are glad that he was rescued safely,” he said.

While in Tan’s house, Notter was served with lobster, crabs, fish, chicken and steamed rice.

Notter was later flown by a helicopter to a military base in Zamboanga City, but the ICRC barred journalists from taking his photos.

Manila said government negotiations were continuing for the safe release of the hostages. Provincial governor Sakur Tan said Muslim clerics are now helping in efforts to convince the terrorists to Notter and Vagni who were seized January 15 along with Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba.

The woman was released on April 2 after a series of negotiations.

Authorities said the Italian hostage is ill and suffering from hernia, a general term used to describe a bulge or protrusion of an organ through the structure or muscle that usually contains it.

More policemen were sent to Sulu early this week to help secure the area where the hostages are being held captive.

The Abu Sayyaf has repeatedly threatened to kill the remaining hostages if the military and police do not pull out from several areas in Sulu.

Military and police intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are among those holding the aid workers - Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek - who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks, including the Bali bombing in 2002. The US has offered at least $16 million rewards for their capture. (Mindanao Examiner)

Manila welcomes help to free Red Cross hostages

MANILA, Philippines - Manila said it welcomes all support – both local and foreign – to the ongoing efforts to secure the safe release of the two foreign volunteers of the International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC) held hostage by Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the government stands pat on its decision that such assistance will take the cue from the local Crisis Management Committee headed by Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan.

In his regular Friday media briefing in Malacanang, Remonde said they remain optimistic that with the help of the "Muslim Bishop-Ulamas (religious leaders) Conference "we can see the successful end of this crisis."

He said the "entry of no less than Muslim religious leaders in these negotiations is definitely welcome. We are optimistic that they will be a big help, Muslim spiritual leaders that they are."

"Our policy is that the local crisis management committee is the one designated to work things on the ground with the Abu Sayyaf group and the police and Armed Forces will just take the cue from the local crisis management committee," Remonde said.

"Everybody is welcome to help us as long as they will work hand-in-hand with the local crisis management committee," he added.

The United States, through Deputy Envoy and Political Affairs Counselor Thomas Gibbons, has reportedly expressed its willingness to help free the two hostages.

Asked if the Palace would support the pronouncement of Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno that the police may yield to the Abu Sayyaf demand to pull out from some areas of Sulu, Remonde said, "We have designated him as the national government's representative on the ground. He has the right to make such a decision."

On the move by the international community to pay ransom for the release of the two foreign hostages for humanitarian reasons, Remonde said, "we will stand pat on our no ransom policy. Otherwise, we will be like Somalia, where hostage-taking has become a lucrative business."
One of the hostages is reportedly critically ill and needs to undergo surgery.

On whether or not Sulu Vice Gov. Nur Ana Sahidulla has been taken out of the local crisis management committee, Remonde said: "No she still plays a very active part in the negotiation process."

US troops return to Hawaii after stint in Philippines' Sulu province

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 16, 2009) – About 30 troops from the Hawaii Army National Guard's 29th Infantry Brigade Combat Team returned Wednesday (Thursday in the Philippines) from a six-month tour in Sulu province in the southern Philippines.

The soldiers arrived at Hickam Air Force Base and were reunited with their families at Wheeler Army Airfield in Honolulu in Hawaii, according to a report by the Honolulu Advertiser on its website.

It said the soldiers served with the Joint Special Operations Task Force – Philippines, which provides security for humanitarian projects such as engineering, medical support and community outreach efforts in Sulu. They also served as advisers to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Last year, Abu Sayyaf militants attacked a Philippine and US military convoy in Sulu’s Patikul town near a military base and killing four Filipino marines and wounded ten others.

Guam media reported that the Guam Army National Guard confirmed that a local serviceman was unharmed following the attack on his unit.

The US soldier was not identified, but the Guam Army National Guard said the serviceman is attached to a platoon with the 294th Infantry Regiment deployed in Sulu to aide in the ongoing conflict there.

The Philippine military and the US Embassy in Manila insisted no US soldiers were in the attacked convoy. Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban, commander of the Filipino Joint Task Force Comet in Sulu Island, said no US soldiers were in the convoy, but some of them aided the local troops wounded in the ambush.

“He was inside the camp. Maybe he got so excited that he thought that he was part of the ambush. The only elements ambushed were the first two vehicles. Yes, they were there because we are partners in humanitarian assistance project and they just turned over a school a few hundred meters away from the ambush site,” Sabban said in a television interview, referring to US troops.

Rebecca Thompson, a US embassy spokesperson, also denied that American soldiers were near the ambush site, but admitted they helped evacuate wounded Filipino troops to safety.

American troops are training and assisting local soldiers in defeating terrorism in the troubled South on the request of the Philippine government.The Abu Sayyaf is holding two foreign Red Cross workers – Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni - kidnapped in Sulu on January 15 after inspecting a humanitarian project at a prison in Patikul town.

A third hostage, Filipino Mary jean Lacaba, was freed on April 2 after a series of negotiations. The Abu Sayyaf threatened to kill the remaining captives if security forces are not pulled out in Sulu, where US troops are currently training Filipino soldiers. (Mindanao Examiner)

Talks continue for release of Red Cross hostages in the Philippines

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 15, 2009) – Government negotiations continue Wednesday for the safe release of two foreign Red Cross workers being held by Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya terrorists in the southern Filipino province of Sulu.

Provincial governor Dr. Sakur Tan said Muslim clerics are now helping in efforts to convince the terrorists to free Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni who were seized January 15 along with Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba.

The woman was released on April 2 after a series of negotiations.

“The Ulama are helping us negotiate for the safe release of the two hostages. Everybody wants an end to this hostage crisis,” Tan told the Mindanao Examiner by phone from Sulu. He did not elaborate.

Philippine police chief Jesus Verzosa and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno also arrived in Sulu on Wednesday and met with Tan to discuss the progress of the negotiations, said Sonny Abing III, the provincial government spokesman.

“They discussed efforts to free the hostages and other important matters,” Abing said in a separate phone interview.

Puno said the Italian hostage is ill and suffering from hernia. Hernia is a general term used to describe a bulge or protrusion of an organ through the structure or muscle that usually contains it.

“I have asked Governor Sakur Tan is we can send a doctor to examiner Eugenio Vagni,” he told reporters in Zamboanga City.

Puno said security forces would not pull out troops from Indanan town unless the Abu Sayyaf is to free the hostages. “We will not pull out the troops unless it is connected to the release of the hostages in a certain area,” he said.

More policemen were sent to Sulu to help secure the area where the hostages are being held captive.

Police said it wanted to end the hostage crisis peacefully soon. “We are exerting all efforts to help in peacefully resolving this crisis,” Verzosa said.

The Abu Sayyaf has repeatedly threatened to kill the remaining hostages if the military and police do not pull out from several areas in Sulu. Security forces have surrounded the jungle lair of the Abu Sayyaf in the town of Indanan to prevent the terrorists from escaping with their captives.

Hundreds of armed village guards under the supervision of the police and the local mayors also put up a cordon around the Abu Sayyaf stronghold.

Military and police intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are among those holding the aid workers - Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek - who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks, including the Bali bombing in 2002. The US has offered at least $16 million rewards for their capture. (Mindanao Examiner)

Security cordon vs. Sayyaf tightened in Sulu

Chief Superintendent Bensali Jabarani, commander of police forces in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, inspects policemen and members of the Civilian Auxillary Force deployed near an Abu Sayyaf stronghold in Indanan town in Sulu province, where the terrorist group is still holding two Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni since January 15. Sulu Governor Dr. Sakur Tan has declared a state of emergency in the province to address the hostage crisis. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Mark Navales)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 12, 2009) – Security forces continue to tighten its cordon around the jungle stronghold of Abu Sayyaf terrorists holding two kidnapped foreign Red Cross workers in Sulu province in the southern Philippines.

Chief Superintendent Bensali Jabarani, the regional police chief, said security forces have surrounded the Abu Sayyaf in the town of Indanan where they are holding hostage Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni.

“Police and military forces, as well as armed village guards are still in the area and preventing the kidnappers from escaping with their hostages. We are closely working with the crisis committee headed by Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and the military and other law enforcement agencies,” he told the Mindanao Examiner.

Tan has put the province under the state of emergency to address the three-month old hostage crisis after the Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead Notter and Vagni.

A terrorist spokesman Albader Parad said they will kill the hostages if security forces do not return to pull out from at least five towns and return to barracks. Tan flatly rejected the Abu Sayyaf demand, saying, the withdrawal of troops and police forces could pave the way for terrorists to escape or merge with other rebel groups.

The Abu Sayyaf has released a third Red Cross hostage, Mary Jean Lacaba, a Filipino engineer, on April 2 two days after the declaration of the state of emergency.

Jabarani said the crackdown on Abu Sayyaf supporters is going on in Sulu. He said police and military last week raided a house in the capital town of Jolo and seized a cache of bomb components believed to be a source of Abu Sayyaf explosives.

“The governor’s declaration of the state of emergency in Sulu really helped us in the campaign against terrorism. It gives us more power to address the threats of terrorism,” he said.

Jabarani, who was in Sulu over the weekend, also inspected police forces and armed village guards who are helping authorities prevent the kidnappers from escaping.

Military and police intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are among those holding the aid workers - Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek - who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks, including the Bali bombing in 2002. The US has offered at least $16 million rewards for their capture. (With a report from Mark Navales)

Police to file charges vs. supplier of explosives in Sulu

A fisherman in Sulu province in the southern Philippines paddles his boat off Jolo town. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

SULU, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 11, 2009) – Sulu provincial governor Sakur Tan has ordered the police to file criminal charges against a man whose house yielded thousands of blasting caps and chemical fertilizer used in the manufacture of homemade explosives.

Policemen, backed by soldiers, raided the house of Hajji Nahrin Akmad in Jolo town on April 9 and seized more than 700 kilos of banned ammonium nitrate, 8,000 pieces of blasting caps, a pistol and 13 rolls of time fuse.

Authorities also seized some P80,000 in cash from Akmad’s house. Police said Akmad was able to escape even before security forces could arrive.

“Sulu Governor Sakur Tan has ordered us to immediately file charges against the house owner,” Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, the Sulu provincial police chief, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Kasim said the military has taken custody of all those seized from Akmad’s house.

“It should be turned over to us. We need all those things so we can immediately file appropriate charges against Akmad,” he said.

Police said Akmad was believed to be supplying improvised explosives for illegal fishing and probably to the Abu Sayyaf.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding two kidnapped Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni in Sulu’s Indanan town and has threatened to behead the captives if Manila does not pull out security forces which have set a cordon around the terrorist group.

Another Red Cross hostage, Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba, was freed April 2 by the Abu Sayyaf allegedly in exchange for a huge ransom. But the Red Cross denied that ransom was paid for her safe release.

The trio was kidnapped on January 15 after inspecting a humanitarian project at a prison in Indanan town. A dismissed jail guard Raden Abu led the kidnapping and handed over the victims to the Abu Sayyaf days later after his name surfaced in police reports. Local media reports said the Abu Sayyaf demanded ransom between $5 million to $10 million. (Mindanao Examiner)

Philippine police free seven accused of Abu Sayyaf collusion

A security guard and a policeman keep watch at their post Wednesday, April 8, 2009 at a wharf in the capital town of Jolo in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants are holding two remaining Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni. Militants have freed Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba after more than 70 days in captivity, but the Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead the two hostages if Manila does not pull out security forces in Sulu. Provincial Governor Sakur Tan, who heads the government task force negotiating for the safe release of the hostages, rejected the terrorist demand. Tan has declared a state of emergency in Sulu. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 08, 2009) – Filipino authorities freed seven people accused of colluding with the Abu Sayyaf group holding captive two Red Cross workers in Sulu province.

The seven, three of them police officers and two village officials, were ordered released along with two other civilians on Wednesday for lack of evidence.

“I will bring them back in Sulu,” said Sulu Governor Sakur Tan told the Mindanao Examiner.

The seven were arrested separately in Sulu province after police linked them to the Abu Sayyaf group blamed for the kidnapping of Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni, who are working for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The two were seized together with Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba on January 15 after inspecting on a humanitarian project at a prison in Patikul town.

The Abu Sayyaf freed Lacaba on April 2 on a remote village in Indanan town.

Tan declared a state of emergency in Sulu after an Abu Sayyaf deadline to behead the remaining hostages lapsed on March 31 without anyone killed.

An Abu Sayyaf spokesman, Albader Parad, has since then warned they would kill the captives if the government fails to pull out security forces surrounding their jungle hideout in Indanan town.

Philippine military intelligence reports said several Jemaah Islamiya terrorists are among those holding the aid workers, among them were Mauiya, Dulmatin, Zulkifli bin Hir and Umar Patek, who are all wanted by Indonesia for the spate of deadly attacks, including the Bali bombing in 2002. (Mindanao Examiner)

Maritime police patrols Sulu coast

Maritime police patrols Wednesday, April 8, 2009 the coast of Jolo, the capital town of Sulu province in the southern Philippine province of Sulu where Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants are holding two remaining Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni. Militants have freed Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba after more than 70 days in captivity, but the Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead the two hostages if Manila does not pull out security forces in Sulu. Provincial Governor Sakur Tan, who heads the government task force negotiating for the safe release of the hostages, rejected the terrorist demand. Tan has declared a state of emergency in Sulu. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Small plane prepares to land in Jolo town

A small passenger plane prepares to land Tuesday, April 7, 2009 in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu province in the southern Philippines where Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants are holding two remaining Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni. Militants have freed Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba after more than 70 days in captivity, but the Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead the two hostages if Manila does not pull out security forces in Sulu. (Mindanao Examiner Photo).

An old man armed with a vintage rifle guards the Mindanao State University Tuesday, April 7, 2009 in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu province in the southern Philippines where Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants are holding two remaining Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni. Militants have freed Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba after more than 70 days in captivity, but the Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead the two hostages if Manila does not pull out security forces in Sulu. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)

Thatched houses dot this coral reef off Sulu province in the southern Philippines where Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiya militants are holding two remaining Red Cross workers Swiss national Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni. Militants have freed Filipino aid worker Mary Jean Lacaba after more than 70 days in captivity, but the Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead the two hostages if Manila does not pull out security forces in Sulu. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)