Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Zamboanga (Agenzia Fides) – The faithful in the Philippines are making every effort to dialogue with the group that kidnapped three Red Cross workers in January. They are also praying and fasting in this time of Lent, to ask God for the grace to preserve the lives of Italian Eugenio Vagni, Swiss Andreas Notter, and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, who were kidnapped by a group of rebels named “Abu Sayyaf,” who is recent days have made public statements threatening to kill the hostages. The terrorists have, in fact, called for the retreat of troops from Manila from the guerrilla strongholds in the islands off the coast of the large island of Mindanao, in South Philippines.
The local Catholic community, which has traditionally maintained healthy relations with the Muslim community, is interested in trying to establish contact and dialogue with the rebel groups in order to negotiate the release of the hostages. It should be noted that the Red Cross, along with many other NGOs is working in the South Philippines, where there are currently conflicts between Manila's troops and Islamic fundamentalist rebels. They are working to provide humanitarian aid, medical assistance, and help for the people in need, no matter their religion or ethnic background. In a special manner, the Red Cross is working heavily in war zones, in the most dangerous areas. However, the workers are aware of their mission and have not retreated even in the most dangerous circumstances.
After the statements and public death threats, observers have grown in concern and fear for the fate of the hostages, which in other cases would have been used to obtain a ransom. According to Abdusakur Tan, governor of the Sulu Province in the Philippines, the threat was given by Albader Paradon, the leader of the “Abu Sayyaf,” who has placed the ultimatum at the end of March.
In this delicate situation, across the nation appeals are being made through “Radio Veritas” by Bishop Leopoldo Tumulak, Military Ordinary, who has asked all the faithful to pray and fast to ask God to spare the hostages. “We pray for a change of heart for the kidnappers,” the Bishop said, “so that the hostages may be freed and so that a spirit of compassion and reconciliation may prevail. We pray so that they can return, safe and sound, to their families.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/3/2009)
