‘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.

SULU Now Under State of Emergency

The Local government of SULU has declared a state of emergency in the whole province.

This is in response to the deadline the Abu Sayyaf had set for the 3 International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) members who was threatened to be beheaded at 2PM this afternoon. No news has been heard since then. Malacanang Palace is closely monitoring events in the region. Sulu has been repeatedly been a haven of kidnappers since the 70's.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said that President Arroyo is at watch on all the events together with security and civilian authorities. The President has reiterated its request for the immediate release and safety of the hostages. They also are heeding for the public's prayer in this ordeal.

Sentaor and Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman Richard Gordon was very emotionally appealing for the kidnappers to release the 3 aid workers in the hopes the Abu Sayyaf would release what was agreed upon initially. ICRC and also Pope Benedict XVI was asking Abu Sayyaf to release them too. It has always been a hard bargain for these guys and the time they spent there is already too long that some of them are getting sick. I hope no one is harmed til now. If they do then it should be all out war for these terrorists.

I hope they send Philip Salvador, Robin Padilla, Erap, Jinggoy and others because they can kill about 50 villains at one stroke hahah... well that corny part was by my friend Ryan =P