‘Prayers sustained me during captivity’ By Milet B. Mendoza

My Aunt Milet Mendoza was kidnapped on September 15, 2008 together with other humanitarian workers Esperancita Hupida, Ludovina Borja-Dekit, driver Dionisio Estandante and their companions Romeo delos Reyes and Sahida Alasa. She however was released after a grueling 61 days. I have featured her in my site a couple of times here, here and here.

Our family were worried souls when this happened. I just can't describe how ecstatic we were when she was released after 2 months. Now in this article she recounts her experience in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf. I hope victims and families would be able to learn something from her experience. This came straight from the kidnap victim so if there would be someone to tell us how it is, as is... check out her story here:

CLICK THIS FOR THE INQUIRER ARTICLE

We all ask things from God, be thankful for the little things he gives you. For the millions of people that ask from him, at least he gave a little more time on you.

ICRC Worker Mary Jean Lacaba Freed!

Mary Jean Lacaba has been freed from her almost 2 month stay in the hands of dreaded Abu Sayyaf.She is now in the hands of ICRC doctors in Manila. Mary Jean Lacaba arrived 12PM together with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) volunteers after being freed from Abu Sayyaf in the town of Indanan, Sulu last night.

Philippine Air Force Spokesman Major Gerry Zamudio said that they did not pass Villamor Airbase anymore which was initially prepared but went to the domestic airport like an ordinary commercial plane. She left Jolo, Sulu at around 8PM through Zamboanga City together with Sulu Vice-Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla, Western Mindanao Command Chief Lieutenant General Nelson Allaga, PNP Directorate For Western Mindanao Chief Superintendent Felizardo Serapio and her friends from ICRC.

Senador Richard Gordon who is the current Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman confirmed these reports.She is also taken cared of by doctors from Geneva, Switzerland. Lacaba will undergo normal debriefing as with any victim of kidnapping. The doctors also wanted to make sure that she is safe and be in good health.An 8 hour rest was recommended by these doctors.

Government Troops Pulling Out of Sulu for ICRC Workers

Today, government troops have started to pullout from war stricken Indanan, Sulu. A force with about a thousand soldiers, police and civilian emergency personnel parted ways with kidnap for ransom groups believed to hold 3 volunteers from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). These are the same Abu Sayyaf kidnap for ransom groups that has been hounding the foreigners and filipinos in the Southern Philippines.

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Rolando Puno also added that the pullout of government troops was done to start the negotiations for the immediate release of the three Red Cross workers.

But according to Sulu Governor Sakur Tan, there are still no news about any recent release as stipulated in their first round of negotiations. PNP Provincial Chief Superintendent Jul Asirim Kasim, also said his men had gone to the Municipality of Maimbong in the same province for this same reason. Abu Sayyaf Commander Al Bader Parad was said to have been holding the three and the pullout was done so talks could resume for their release. No one has notified them that negotiators would actually come from either sides too so there is a big confusion on the field. Puno asked to pullout the 8 untis of military, police and Civilian Emergency Forces in the hopes of getting these people into safety. Everyone else like me is watching for developments as they happen. I'll try and keep you posted!