Philippines

One hostage released on Jolo but tension high over remaining two

Article published on the 2009-04-03 Latest update 2009-04-03 13:25 TU

Armed police in Jolo.
(Photo: AFP)

Efforts have been stepped up in the Philippines to rescue two Red Cross aid workers taken hostage by Islamic militants, after the release of Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba. The Abu Sayyaf group say they will negotiate the release of Italian Eugenio Vagni and Swiss national Andreas Notter once the military have withdrawn from the Muslim rebel stronghold of Indanan.

The government says some forces can be pulled back but there is no intention to completely withdraw.

Meanwhile, Lacuba has been reunited with her husband. Although her captors threatened to behead her, she claims she was not badly treated.

The three Red Cross workers were seized on Jolo island by Abu Sayyaf on 15 January. The island's Vice-Governor, Nur-Ana Sahidulla, says that the group released Lacuba as a sign of good faith and to show they were not after a ransom.

Regional military chief Lieutenant General Nelson Allaga says three soldiers were injured on Friday when a landmine exploded under a military truck near Indanan.

Abu Sayyaf militants have kidnapped several westerners in the past decade, exchaning many for large sums. In 2001 the group murdered American hostage Guillermo Sobero in a “ribbon-cutting” ceremony, used to describe the practise of beheading several captives at once.