Good afternoon.

Our efforts to win the freedom of our two countrymen, Angelito Nayan and Robert Tarongoy, continue unabated.

We remain hopeful that Angelito and Robert will be returned to their families and friends.  We will spare no effort in securing the freedom of these two countrymen.

In the Middle East where I just arrived about an hour or so ago, I met with government officials, members of media and private individuals who offered their support for our efforts to achieve the safe and early release of Robert.  My meetings also helped give us a better picture of the situation, the dynamics involved and also further enlightened us on the way forward. In the case of Robert Tarongoy, our approach is to take more direct action and rely on our own resources.

I also gathered our Middle East Ambassadors, particularly those from countries that border Iraq, to reinvigorate our efforts to protect our workers in Iraq and to strengthen our deployment ban.  I also met with government officials who will help us redirect the deployment of those wishing to work in Iraq.  While in Qatar, I secured the agreement of the Qatari government for them to increase the number of Filipino professionals, skilled workers and other workers by 15,000.

In Afghanistan, we continue to coordinate with the United Nations and the Afghan government, who are taking the lead and who are in the best position to work for Angelito’s freedom and the two other UN volunteer workers.

We have a team in Kabul that is working closely with the United Nations and the Afghan government.  We are also in close contact with the Headquarters of the United Nations in New York.   Ambassador Lauro Baja is always with UNSECOORD in order to get the latest and to work with them for the release of the three UN volunteers of which Angelito Nayan is one of them.   While in the Middle East, I met with Afghan officials who conveyed the personal assurance of President Hamid Karzhai that every effort will be taken to ensure Angelito’s safe and early release.

While in the Middle East, I also met with government officials from other countries who committed to support the efforts of the United Nations and the Afghan government.

We have received credible and direct information that Angelito is safe and in good health.

We will update you on any developments when doing so will not adversely affect ongoing efforts or place at risk those working for the release of Angelito and Robert.  We reiterate our request for  your understanding and patience.

Angelito wanted to help spread the seeds of democracy while Robert wanted to earn a living and provide for his family.

We thank all of those who are working with us and who are supporting our efforts. We thank all of those who are hoping and praying for our success.    We thank all of you for being with us in these efforts.

We ask that you continue to keep hope alive in your hearts.

We ask that we all continue to pray that tolerance, kindness and forgiveness grows in the hearts of others.

Thank you. END