ICRC News Release - Philippines: ICRC again appeals to kidnappers

The ICRC has again appealed to the Abu Sayyaf group to spare the lives of the three ICRC workers, Mary Jean Lacaba, Eugenio Vagni and Andreas Notter, it has been holding since 15 January. The group has threatened to kill one of its hostages on 31 March if its demand for a troop pull-back is not met.

"Our message to Abu Sayyaf is: please spare and release Mary Jean, Eugenio and Andreas," said the ICRC's president, Jakob Kellenberger. "All they were doing was helping people in need in your area. There is no ideology or religious law that could justify killing them."

"We will do everything in our power to ensure that Mary Jean, Eugenio and Andreas remain safe and can return to their families, who miss them desperately. Their children, parents, siblings, spouses, friends and colleagues will not give up hope of seeing them again soon," added Mr Kellenberger

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ICRC and Philippine Red Cross appeal to abductors' sense of humanity

Manila / Geneva (ICRC) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has taken note of direct threats made by those responsible for the abduction of ICRC staff members Mary Jean Lacaba, Eugenio Vagni and Andreas Notter on 15 January 2009 and are extremely worried about the three persons' safety.

The ICRC and the Philippine National Red Cross remain in constant contact with the authorities concerned to discuss urgent measures necessary to resolve this crisis.

The ICRC and the Philippine National Red Cross are also appealing to the abductors' sense of humanity and asking them to avoid taking any action that could endanger the lives of Mary Jean, Eugenio and Andreas. They are renewing their call for the immediate and unconditional release of the three ICRC staff members.