Press Release
April 3, 2009

'A triumph of human spirit,' Gordon says of Lacaba's safe release

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today said the safe release of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worker Mary Jean "Nene" Lacaba from the hands of his captors is not just a story of human suffering but also a triumph of human spirit.

Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), said he admires Lacaba's strength and courage in dealing with the tragic situation she had to go through for the past 78 days.

"We are happy and relieved that our colleague, Mary Jean "Nene" Lacaba, is finally safe and free," he said.

"Her ordeal is more than a story of human suffering, but a triumph of human spirit. Hers is a lesson for us all and hopefully we shall take this tragic reality to heart," he added.

Lacaba, 44, was finally freed, safe and unharmed after 78 days of captivity, last Thursday night and was handed over to Sulu Vice Governor and Red Cross Sulu chapter chairperson Lady Ann Sahidulla in Barangay Paligi, Indanan, Sulu.

The PNRC chairman said the safe and unconditional release of Lacaba only shows that great and good things can be achieved through peaceful means.

"Nene's safe and unconditional release is a proof that talking things through, using peaceful and diplomatic means available to resolve conflict, is better than using bullets and bombs," Gordon said.

"Life is precious, even the life of those who have declared themselves as our enemies," he added.

The two other kidnapped ICRC workers--Swiss Andreas Notter and Italian Eugenio Vagni--remain in captivity.

Gordon said the Red Cross stays firm with its "no-ransom-no-negotiation" policy and believes that the best and most effective way to secure the release of Notter and Vagni is through an open line of communication.

"We hold firm the belief that keeping the lines of communication open at all times and the faith in the inherent goodness in each one of us all will enable us to succeed," he said.

"Nene's release fills us with hope that our two other colleagues will also be released soon. Nevertheless, we must continue with all peaceful efforts and remain steadfast in praying for their safe release," he added.

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