ICRC acknowledges Gordon's efforts for the safe and swift release of its 3 abducted workers

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has expressed with grateful acknowledgment the continued efforts by the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) towards the safe and immediate release of its three workers abducted in Sulu since Jan. 15.

Alain Aeschlimann, ICRC's head of operations for East Asia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific, said they greatly appreciate the effort of PNRC chairman Senator Richard J. Gordon in dealing with the sensitive situation of the three ICRC workers.

"The ICRC appreciates the support of Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross Society, during this crisis. We thank him for his efforts in trying to find a solution to this difficult situation," Aeschlimann said.

"Since the moment we learned that our colleagues were taken, Richard Gordon has been a tremendous support to our delegation in Manila. It goes without saying that it is important to have a partner in him and in the PNRC, who share the same values and principles, as we are all part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement," he added in ICRC official website (www.icrc.org) posted Feb. 2.

The three ICRC workers - Mary Jean Lacaba, Eugenio Vagni and Andreas Notter - were abducted by armed men last Jan. 15 after visiting the Sulu Provincial Jail to inspect their water and sanitation project in the detention facility.

Since the incident occurred, Gordon has been closely monitoring the developments on the ground and has sought the help of local officials to assure the safety of the ICRC workers.

The PNRC chairman also helped facilitate the safe delivery of medicines and other personal effects to the abducted workers. Vagni was reportedly suffering from high blood pressure.

As far as the Red Cross is concerned, Gordon said they are strictly maintaining a "no-negotiation-no-ransom" policy, and is only appealing for the workers' immediate and unconditional release.

"These workers are doing useful work for those who are already excluded from combat, that is why they were in prison visiting detainees, making sure that the conditions thereat are better and doing things to improve them," Gordon said.

"We call for their immediate and unconditional release," he added.

Since the three ICRC workers were abducted, Gordon has repeatedly appealed that they be released immediately and be spared from any harm, stressing that Red Cross members are innocent non-combatants and that the Geneva Convention provides absolute protection for people doing humanitarian work.