Chronicles of the ICRC Kidnapping

CHRONICLE OF THE ICRC KIDNAPPING
(Part One of a Series)
KN Reports

4:30 A.M. January 13, 2009: a major Jail break occurred at the Sulu Provincial Jail Capitol Site, Patikul, Sulu. Twelve inmates escaped while one was shot and killed in the attempted escape.

9:30 A.M.: about six ICRC workers arrived Jolo on board a Seair charter flight from Zamboanga City namely: Eugenio Vagni, 62 years old, Italian, Chief, Water and Habitat Delegate based in Davao City; Andreas Notter, 38 years old, Swiss, Head, ICRC Zamboanga Office; Mary Jean Lacaba, 37 years old, Filipina, Engineer; Dr. Ritchie Sorrilla, Mr. Ramon Catacutan and Mr. Mohammad Jikiri.

9 A.M. 15 January 2009: ICRC workers Messrs. Vagni, Notter, Catacutan, Jikiri, Dr. Sorrilla and Engr. Lacaba came to visit their Potable Water Project in the Provincial Jail, Sulu Province. Government officials offered ICRC security personnel as escorts/driver/security. The ICRC staff politely refused the offer for escorts for their personal safety and security. They made a courtesy call at the office of the Sulu Philippine National Red Cross head, Sulu Province Vice Governor, Hon. Nurhata Ann SAHIDULLA.

9 A.M. 15 January 2009: ICRC workers Messrs. Vagni, Notter, Catacutan, Jikiri, Dr. Sorrilla and Engr. Lacaba came to visit their Potable Water Project in the Provincial Jail, Sulu Province. Government officials offered ICRC security personnel as escorts/driver/security. The ICRC staff refused the said offer. They made a courtesy call at the office of the Sulu Philippine National Red Cross head, Sulu Province Vice Governor, Hon. Nur Ana SAHIDULLA fondly known as Lady Ann.

11:30 A.M. 15 January 2009: as the ICRC workers exited the Jail on the way to Jolo, at the vicinity of the Sulu Museum, five (5) armed persons on motor bikes held the ICRC at gunpoint and took by force the three (3) ICRC personnel on board the ICRC vehicle leaving behind their companions, Dr. Sorrilla, Messrs. Catacutan and Jikiri. Three (3) accosted the victims and were identified to be a former Jail Guard, Raden ABU and two (2) intimate friends of the subject. The remaining two (2) perpetrators were identified as elements of a government uniformed unit. This fact was kept secret by the investigators of the ICRC.

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PHOTO CHRONICLE

The gentleman in the photo above, brought the supplies for the kidnapped ICRC workers Andreas Notter, Eugene Vagni and Mary Jane Lacaba. The items he brought were delivered by a contact of Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla. After handing over the personal items to the Philippine National Police, the gentleman boarded the plane that took him to Jolo, Sulu and immediately went back to Zamboanga and onwards to another destination.

Governor Abdusakur Tan and staff took time to prepare the needed stuff of the ICRC workers.