Red Cross says Vagni still alive; Abu lair raided

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) was able to secure proof of life that kidnapped Italian Red Cross worker Eugenio Vagni is alive but not so well.

According to PNRC secretary-general Gwendolyn Pang, Vagni was able to phone his wife the other day.

“(Vagni) told his wife that he was ill, that he had flu because it has been raining (in their place). He also said that it was difficult for him (to move around) because of his hernia,” Pang said.

Pang said the PNRC is establishing communication with the Abu Sayyaf to convince them to release Vagni.

Pang also voiced concern over the ongoing military operations aimed at ending the three-month hostage crisis. She said the military operation would unnecessarily place Vagni at risk.

“It’s a big relief for us to know that he is alive. We are praying that he will be released soon… we don’t want a military operation if it will not result in his safe release. Mr. Vagni is ill, he cannot run so we are really concerned,” Pang added.

Authorities are racing against time to locate and rescue Vagni from the Abu Sayyaf because of his deteriorating medical condition.

Officials said Vagni is suffering from hernia, a medical condition urgently needing surgery, which makes it difficult for him to walk in the dense jungles of Sulu.

Vagni is the last of three workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) seized by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu on Jan. 15.

He has been in captivity for more than three months after his colleagues, Swiss Andreas Notter and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba, gained their freedom.

The government has put up a P500,000 reward for anyone who could provide information on the whereabouts of Vagni and his captors.

Officials said yesterday that government troops managed to pinpoint the suspected location of Vagni and his abductors.

A security official had revealed troops were able to locate the kidnappers keeping Vagni in their jungle lair in Mt. Tukay, Indanan town.

It was the same area where the bandits have kept the Italian and his two other colleagues.

The security official revealed Vagni is now in the custody of Abu Sayyaf leader Umbra Jumdail alias Dr. Abu Pula. –With Roel Pareño, Jaime Laude