Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Agenzia Fides) – Christians and Muslims of Mindanao and the Sulu Islands await amidst prayer and a cautious hope, any word on the fate of the three hostages who were kidnapped on the island of Jolo this past January, by the terrorist group “Abu Sayyaf.”
According to a local Church sources who have informed Fides on the situation, various Christian and Muslim communities have openly condemned the kidnapping and have launched initiatives and prayer vigils to pray to God for the conversion of the kidnappers and the salvation and liberation of the three Red Cross workers: Eugenio Vagni of Italy, Andreas Notter of Switzerland, and Mary Jean Lacaba of the Philippines.
Benedict XVI's appeal for the release of the hostages has brought international attention on the case and has brought a sigh of relief to political and religious leaders working on negotiations and calling for a general participation in trying to obtain their release.
The fear and concern for the fate of the hostages has increased following the ultimatum placed by the terrorists: 2pm today, March 31 (8 in the morning, Italian time). “Abu Sayyaf,” through its spokesman, had called for the full retreat of Filipino troops from the island of Jolo, on pain of death. The Filipino Government had responded to the request by pulling out the troops in the jungle of Jolo. However, this has not been sufficient and the rebels have rejected such an accord.
In light of this situation, the authorities proclaimed a state of emergency on the island of Jolo and the army has retaken the abandoned positions, placing pressure on the rebels. It is difficult to see how things will turn out. Several observers fear that the strategy will lead to the elimination of the hostages, while others hope that the military pressure will lead to their prompt release.
The Catholic Church in Jolo reaffirmed their “no” to all violence and recalled that the Red Cross workers are working “in favor of the people. They have come to the Philippines to bring relief, comfort, and assistance to a population suffering from conflict and the loss of their homes.” They are “completely removed from the conflict. The innocent civilians should not be used for military ends,” Fides' sources said.
In the meantime, the “Justice and Peace” Commission of the local Churches, the religious groups, and movements for Islamic-Christian dialogue are doing all they can to persuade the kidnappers and prevent the death of the hostages. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 31/3/2009)
