Not taking the role of military commander

MANILA, Philippines - This refers to your editorial last March 27 titled “Telegraphing every move”. Let it be crystal clear that Sen. Richard J. Gordon’s involvement in the efforts to save the kidnapped International Committee of the Red Cross workers has nothing to do with his being a legislator or a politician. He is involved because, after all, he is not only the chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, but also a member of the governing board of the International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Initially, Sen. Gordon refused to lead the talks even if he has all the right to be involved in dealing with the abductors for the safe, immediate and unconditional release of Andreas Notter, Eugenio Vagni and Mary Jean Lacaba. However, recent situations led him to participate in the talks. He cannot just wait sitting down while the abductors are calling him up and issuing a threat to behead one of the hostages, or when his colleagues are pleading on their knees to save them.

Sen. Gordon is not taking the role of a military commander. He never insisted a military pullout. In fact, he maintains that the presence of the soldiers is important to put enough pressure so that the abductors will continue talking.

Let us restrain ourselves from attacking the personality. Instead, we must look at the sincere efforts of rescuing the hostages and saving lives. After all, we all want an immediate resolution to this tragic incident. The ICRC workers have long been suffering from their protracted captivity. — Theresa G. Piscasio, Media Relations Officer, Office of Sen. Richard J. Gordon