Militants free Red Cross worker after 6 months

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — Al-Qaida-linked militants in the southern Philippines freed an ailing Italian Red Cross worker today from six months of jungle captivity, officials said.

Eugenio Vagni, 63, appeared to be in good health but weak as Abu Sayyaf captors handed him over to a provincial vice governor in a jungle near Maimbung township on southern Jolo Island, officials said.

“He was weak but obviously very happy to have regained his freedom,” marine Col. Eugenio Clemen told The Associated Press by telephone from Jolo.

Vagni, who had difficulty walking because of a hernia, embraced military officers at a Jolo military camp saying “thank you” repeatedly, said Clemen, who helped oversee rescue operations for Vagni.

Vagni, who had grown a beard and wore a white shirt and jogging pants, was unable to contact his wife by telephone but managed to contact a brother.

He was given coffee and noodles and was examined by doctors at a trauma clinic in the camp before going to sleep, Clemen said.

“I am happy. At least he is safe, and we can return him back to his family,” said Sen. Richard Gordon, who heads the Philippine Red Cross.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said in an interview with Italian state TV that no ransom had been paid for Vagni’s release.

There has been speculation that a large ransom was paid to the kidnappers.

Gordon said that Sulu Vice Gov. Lady Ann Sahidulla was asked by the militants to escort Vagni to safety and that she “donated” $1,041 to an intermediary, but he stressed this was not a ransom.