Red Cross denies meddling in hostage talks

MANILA, Philippines, April 5 (UPI) -- Philippine officials say meddling by the Red Cross is hampering efforts to secure the release of two aid workers held hostage by Muslim extremists.

Telephone conversations between Abu Sayyaf rebels and Philippine Red Cross Chief Senator Richard Gordon "only serve to strengthen the hand of the kidnappers," Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., said.

The Abu Sayyaf, blamed for some of the Philippines' worst terror attacks, was holding Red Cross volunteers Eugenio Vagni, taly, and Andreas Notter, Switzerland. A third hostage, Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba, was freed Thursday. The three were seized while on a humanitarian mission in Jolo Jan. 15.

Gordon has denied interfering and said Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo should comply with Abu Sayyaf demands for government troops to withdraw from the area surrounding the Abu Sayyaf camp in Sulu, where the hostages are reportedly being held, GMA TV reported Sunday.

In response, Arroyo's office said it was doing "everything possible to secure the release of the hostages without compromising the sovereignty of our country,'' the Philippine Daily Inquirer said.

"The military pullout demanded by the (Abu Sayyaf) is a criminal attempt to allow them to wreak havoc elsewhere," Teodoro said.