Red Cross Team Kidnapped in Philippines

(Jolo Island, Philippines) Sen. Richard Gordon of the Philippine National Red Cross reported that three Red Cross workers have been kidnapped by the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

The three are identified as Andreas Notter, a 38-year-old Swiss national; Eugenio Vagni, a 62-year-old Italian and Mary Jean Lacaba, a 37-year-old citizen of the Philippines.

Reportedly, while traveling in a Red Cross vehicle they were stopped by armed men on motorbikes and taken away. Three Filipinos riding with the Red Cross workers were robbed and released.

Brigadier General Eugene Clemen, commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade, said they believed an Abu Sayyaf group under Albader Parad is responsible for the kidnappings.

Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan said all available military and police forces have been mobilized to go after the kidnappers and their victims.

Companion post at The Jawa Report.