Abducted aid worker rescued

Police in the Philippines rescued a kidnapped Red Cross worker from his Al Qaeda-linked captors early today, officials said, but there was no immediate word on the fate of another hostage.

Andreas Notter, 38, of Switzerland was rescued on southern Jolo island, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said, citing “verified reports.”

Provincial officials also said Notter had been freed by police, not released by his Abu Sayyaf captors as initially reported.

A military spokesman had said that Notter was released by the Abu Sayyaf militants partly because of “pressure” from government forces.

There was no immediate word on 62-year-old Eugenio Vagni of Italy. Philippine volunteer Mary Jean Lacaba was released by the Abu Sayyaf two weeks ago.

Sulu provincial police chief Julasirim Kasim said Notter was rescued as the militants holding him tried to break through a security cordon around an area believed to be a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf. He refused to give other details of the operation.

Notter was immediately taken to the residence of Sulu provincial Gov. Sakur Tan, where he was undergoing a medical checkup, Kasim said.

“This is a major breakthrough that we hope shall eventually lead to the rescue of the last remaining hostage,” Remonde said.

He attributed Notter’s rescue to the “combined initiatives in all fronts,” including the intercession of several Muslim clerics.

The three workers were abducted Jan. 15 after inspecting a Red Cross water sanitation project in Jolo.

The militants threatened last month to behead the hostages, prompting a partial pullback of a security cordon around their jungle stronghold.

The Abu Sayyaf, which has about 400 fighters, has been blamed for numerous kidnappings, bombings and beheadings. It is believed to have received funds from Al Qaeda and is on the U.S. list of terrorist organizations.