Abu Sayyaf urged to free two hostages

MANILA, Philippines, April 3 (UPI) -- The government of the Philippines and the U.S. ambassador urged a guerrilla group Friday to release its remaining two Red Cross hostages.

Mary Jean Lacaba, an engineer from the Philippines, was freed Thursday, but Abu Sayyaf continues to hold two European men who had been working as volunteers for the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said that the government would be willing to negotiate with Abu Sayyaf if the group releases Andreas Notter of Switzerland and Eugenio Vagni of Italy, The Manila Times reported.

"This is a good time for the kidnappers to turn over the other hostages," he said. "If they are going to do that, we will try to see what conditions they want and discuss our options."

In the meantime, security officers are questioning 23 local police officers and officials suspected of collaboration with Abu Sayyaf, Puno said.

U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney said that the United States is prepared to offer whatever assistance the Philippines needs to win the release of the hostages.