Gordon still hopeful on Vagni release through peaceful negotiation

MANILA, Philippines – Sen. Richard Gordon remains hopeful that International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worker Eugenio Vagni would still be released through peaceful negotiation.

Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNCR), made the statement as he expressed sympathy over the deaths of Sulu provincial commander Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim, his brother Rosalin and his two police escorts identified only as SPO3 Jammahari and SPO3 Abdurajan, who were killed during an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

“We extend our sincere condolences to the family of Superintendent Kasim, his brother, and the two other police escorts. We honor them, including those who were wounded in the encounter, for their valiant efforts to defend and uphold the peace and order situation in Mindanao,” Gordon said in a statement.

On Thursday, members of the ASG gunned down Kasim and his three colleagues near Maimbung town.

“Despite this incident, we remain hopeful that we can secure the safe, immediate and unconditional release of our colleague Eugenio through peaceful means. Let us keep the lines of communication open,” Gordon said.

The senator reiterated his call for a peaceful resolution of the incident, stressing that both Mary Jean Lacaba and Andreas Notter were released peacefully and unconditionally through talks with the abductors.

“If there is any rescue operation being conducted, it must be done with the highest interest of the safety of the hostage. The record shows that we have been able to get two hostages alive. And while Mr. Vagni is very ill, there should be reason to continue talking,” Gordon said.

Government authorities have confirmed that the rescue mission for Vagni is underway and that a P500,000 reward will be given to anyone who could give information on the whereabouts of the victim and his captors.

Meanwhile, Lacaba finally arrived in Davao City last Wednesday night, more than a month after being freed by her ASG captors.

But she remains in ICRC custody and has not yet gone home to the family residence in Toril District.

Lacaba was released April 2 while Notter was freed last April 18. Both have refused debriefing procedures of the police and military officials, citing the neutrality of the ICRC in any conflict.

Lacaba’s niece Mary Ann Antona told The STAR that she knew her aunt arrived in Davao Wednesday night together with her husband Emmanuel and their 14-year-old son Christian.

She said Lacaba’s mother has not seen her daughter yet, even as family members and neighbors have been preparing for her homecoming with a thanksgiving Mass.

Lacaba is set to return to work at the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) region XI office in Davao City.– With Edith Regalado