No ransom demand for Vagni, says PNP

MANILA, Philippines – The Abu Sayyaf has not demanded ransom for Italian Eugenio Vagni, the last Red Cross worker in terrorist hands, police said yesterday.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said police continue to search for Vagni, who has been held by Abu Sayyaf in the jungles of Sulu for five months now.

“There is no formal information yet coming from the crisis management committee regarding that (ransom demand),” he said.

“If ever there are, it will be relayed to our negotiators that are there.”

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said the government is willing to stop pursuit operations if the Abu Sayyaf will reopen the lines of communication.

Authorities have lost phone contact with the kidnappers of Vagni and negotiators are only communicating with them through emissaries, he added.

Verzosa said depending on negotiations, police can adjust the deployment of troops without necessarily reducing their number.

“As of now, continuing operations are being conducted. In the present operations there, we shift forces from one area to another in pursuit of Abu Sayyaf elements,” he said.

Verzosa said police are not discounting the possibility that Vagni would be released through negotiations.

“The joint Task Force Comet is continuing in its current effort to rescue Mr. Vagni,” he said.

“We also suffered casualties but they (Abu Sayyaf) suffered double those casualties. We are now undertaking operations against not only for the rescue of Mr. Vagni but also against the other ASG bandits that are now there. This is a continuing effort and we have to look for Mr. Vagni because we are concerned with his deteriorating health. But we do not discount and even encourage negotiations if it will result in the release of Mr. Vagni.” – Mike Frialde