Gordon asks AFP, PNP to locate hostages' whereabouts

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today expressed serious concern over the apparent failure of law enforcement authorities to determine the whereabouts of two women aid workers reportedly abducted by the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Gordon made the call in the wake of reports that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) remain clueless about the hostage victims' location four days since they were abducted in Basilan.

"All efforts should be exhausted in locating and securing the freedom of these two hostages. But we should act expeditiously and decisively because, needless to say, what is at stake here is the lives of innocent aid workers," he said.

Law enforcement authorities have reportedly suspended all efforts to rescue the two remaining hostages to allow a team led by Spanish priest Fr. Angel Calvo to negotiate with their abductors widely believed to be Abu Sayyaf bandits.

"The government needs all assistance and cooperation available, especially among the people. It should not however renege on its responsibility to provide the safety of all people, including those who are helping people displaced by the protracted conflict in Mindanao," he added.

Two women humanitarian aid workers - Esperanza Hupida and Millet Mendoza - belong to the Christian Children's Fund and the Nagdilaab Foundation. They were abducted along with their three other colleagues who were earlier released unharmed and without ransom.

Gordon, chairman of the Philippine National Red Cross, also called on the AFP and the PNP to intensify security measures they provide to humanitarian aid workers in Mindanao, saying that their endangerment would hamper efforts to deliver the much-needed aid to affected communities.

"International Humanitarian Law should be strictly adhered to by all parties in this conflict. The government should be alert against other lawless elements which are exploiting the security vacuum created by the protracted conflict with lawless MILF groups," he said.