The Department of Foreign Affairs-Crisis Management Team has high hopes that the efforts being undertaken by its team in Kabul, Afghanistan and Baghdad, Iraq would lead toward the freedom of Angelito Nayan along with his two co UN-workers and OFW Robert Tarongoy.

The Department has its top officials on the ground in Kabul.  Team Nayan is composed of Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Jose Brillantes and Non-resident Philippine Ambassador to Afghanistan Jorge Arizabal.     Team Nayan regularly holds meetings or consultations with the officials concerned in the Afghan Government and the United Nations Assistance Mission to Afghanistan or UNAMA, which is taking the lead in the efforts to secure the freedom of the three UN workers including Angelito.   Parallel to these efforts, Team Nayan is also communicating with various contacts in Kabul to convey the appeal of the Philippine Government and the family of Angelito for the abductors to free the Filipino UN worker whose only purpose in Afghanistan is to help in the democratic electoral process in that country.

Team Nayan remains focused in its work – to exert every effort to secure the freedom of Angelito – and will not be distracted by media reports of new deadlines or hindrances to the negotiations.    Securing the freedom of Angelito from his abductors is a difficult and complex endeavor but the Department and Team Nayan will ensure that while the negotiation process is long and tedious, there is always progress is every step of the way.

We  have the same relentless effort to secure the freedom of Robert Tarongoy.  Likewise, top Department officials make up Team Iraq – Undersecretary for Special Concerns Rafael Seguis, Ambassador Roy Cimatu, Head of the Presidential Middle East Preparedness Team and Charge d’ Affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Baghdad Eric Endaya.     We have key officials in Baghdad to closely coordinate efforts to free Robert.  Team Iraq communicates with its contacts as well as hold meetings with officials of the Iraqi Government.

As in any abduction case, media focus on the issue of ransom does not contribute in any way to help secure the freedom of the captives, and has even been proven to compromise any effort.   We reiterate that the Philippines has a no-ransom policy in dealing with abduction cases.

As we continue with our work, the Department is exploring all options and strategies to secure the freedom of Angelito and Robert.

The Department reiterates its appeal as well as the appeals of the families of Angelito and Robert for the abductors of the two Filipino nationals to now let them free in the spirit of forgiveness, understanding and sincere brotherhood that now prevails with the celebration of the  Eid’l Fitr.

The Department also appeals to both print and broadcast media to exercise prudence and care in its reportage of the events in Kabul and Baghdad.   Unsubstantiated assertions that rely on so-called anonymous sources certainly endanger the lives of Angelito and Robert, compromise efforts to secure their freedom and place in serious peril the safety and the very lives of all those working for their freedom.

The Department acknowledges the seriousness with which media views its responsibility to keep the public informed.  And in this context, the Department will update the media on developments pertaining to Angelito and Robert when doing so will not adversely affect ongoing efforts or place at risk those working for the release of the two Filipino nationals.

The Department again requests the media’s understanding and patience. END