MINDANAO – Opposition senator and reported 2010 presidentiable Francis “Chiz” Escudero and I share the same sentiments.
Chiz Escudero, in his recent press statement, has asked the public that while it’s true that we all should be happy for International Red Cross volunteer Eugenio Vagni‘s safe release from captivity in Basilan, we should still not forget the three teachers who remain hostages of the Abu Sayyaf.
If you remember, these are my very thoughts last May 2009.
The three teachers namely Jocelyn Enriquez, Jocelyn Inion and Noemi Mandi were abducted by last March 13 off the island barangay of Bangkaw-Bangkaw, Naga town, Zamboanga Sibugay while they were on the way home.
“The end of Mr. Vagni’s ordeal should convince those working behind the scenes to exert more effort in securing the release of other Abu Sayyaf hostages,” he said.
The three teachers all taught at Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School. Shortly after they were nabbed, they were then reportedly turned over to the group of Furuji Indama, an Abu Sayyaf Group commander based in a coastal village in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan.
“We must take all steps possible so that these teachers can be reunited with their loved ones as soon as possible,” Escudero said.
There have been reports that Mandi died in captivity, although this has yet to be confirmed. I hope this isn’t true.
I also hope that the government is doing everything so that they can retrieve the teachers soon. I’m not sure if declaring an all-out war against the bandit group Abu Sayyaf is the answer, though. Peace can still be attained through proper and transparent negotiations.
What are your thoughts?
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]