Islamic rebels in the Philippines freed a Swiss Red Cross worker held hostage for over three months but continued to hold another European captive, security officials said today.
The circumstances surrounding the freedom of Andreas Notter (37) were not clear, and he himself said he was not sure how it came about. "I walked out and am happy to be alive and safe," Mr Notter told a news conference at the house of the provincial governor on the southern island of Jolo, where he was brought early today.
"I am very glad to be here with you. It happened very quickly. I am still a bit confused how it happened. My concern for now is my companion, Mr Eugenio Vagni. You are all aware that he is injured."
Mr Notter, Italian national Eugenio Vagni and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba, all officers of the International Committee of the Red Cross, were abducted by Abu Sayyaf rebels on January 15th when they were on a field visit to a prison on Jolo, a guerrilla stronghold.
Ms Lacaba was freed by the rebels earlier this month and newspapers have said ransom was paid. Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said a group of men holding Mr Notter was attempting to slip out of the security cordon around the guerrilla camp in the interior of Jolo when they were spotted by security forces who gave pursuit.
"The kidnappers left behind Mr Notter because they were not able to drag him with them anymore," Mr Puno told reporters, adding military pressure forced the rebels to free the hostage. "We are fortunate that this incident ended without injury to Mr Notter".
Earlier, a military spokesman had said Mr Notter was found by troops. Senator Richard Gordon, head of the Philippine National Red Cross, said Mr Notter was found walking near Indanan town, in the interior of Jolo, this morning.
"We cannot at the moment disclose all the details that transpired as doing so may derail current efforts to ensure the safe release of the remaining victim," military chief General Alexander Yano said in a statement.
Mr Notter, unshaven and with long hair, was smiling when he faced journalists after doctors gave him a clean bill of health, although he looked to have lost weight during his captivity.