Notter is living proof non-violent mechanisms work - Zubiri on freed Abu Sayyaf hostage

"I join the whole country and the International Red Cross Committee in congratulating the Task Force ICRC for the safe release of Swiss Andreas Notter who is now living proof that a balanced application of diplomacy and firm pressure using non-violent mechanisms works," said Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri yesterday.

"I hope that the same good fate will happen to Italian Antonio Vagni who needs surgery."

"There was no let up in tension among Filipinos and the volunteer community worldwide because we haven't heard their voices for the past two weeks. We feared the worst before Andreas' release today. So, we should properly credit the Task Force for their efforts that brought back Andreas alive and well without a bloodbath that we all wanted to prevent."

Zubiri , a Governor of the Philippine National Red Cross, stressed that "the risk of kidnapping was a hazard recognized by volunteers who go to great lengths to help people in need whatever their nationality or race."

"It's already part of history that volunteer workers were kidnapped in the Philippines but more important is that the release of Jean Lacaba then Andreas Notter were achieved without payment of ransom and a bloodbath."