The Department expresses relief and joy over the safe release of Angelito Nayan.

Angelito is in good health and is currently undergoing routine medical checkup and debriefing.  He has spoken to the President and to his family.  He also spoke with Undersecretary Jose Brillantes and expressed his deep appreciation for the efforts of the Philippine government on his behalf.

The Department wishes to thank the United Nations and the Afghan government who worked tirelessly for the release of Angelito and his two companions.  We wish to thank the others who were assisting us but have asked that their identities be withheld.

We thank the family and friends of Angelito who prayed and never lost hope for his safe release.  We join others in praising the courage, fortitude and determination shown by Angelito´s family during this difficult time.

We thank all those who hoped and prayed for Angelito´s freedom.

We thank the media for their patience and understanding, which helped create the conditions through which we could successfully work for Angelito´s safe release.

The Philippine government, through the DFA Crisis Management Team, had closely coordinated its actions with the United Nations, which took the lead in securing the release of three of their workers, and with the concerned officials of the Afghan Government.

Angelito´s safe release bolsters our hopes that all those being held hostage will also be freed.  END.