Swiss hostage now in Manila after escaping Abu Sayyaf kidnappers

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Dec 072014

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MANILA, Philippines — After his daring escape from the captivity of Muslim militants in Mindanao on Saturday, Swiss victim Lorenzo Vinciguera is now in Manila, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief, said Vinciguera arrived in a “safe location” in Manila after getting travel clearance from military doctors in Sulu.

Vinciguera, a 49-year-old photographer, overpowered Abu Sayyaf commander Juhuri Ussin and hacked the militant in the face with a machete which led to his escape.

Cabunoc said Vinciguera arrived at Villamor Airbase at 6:20 pm Saturday where Swiss ambassador to the Philippines Ivo Sieber and General Gregorio Pio Catapang, AFP Chief, met him.

At around 6:30 pm Swiss officials brought Vinciguera to an undisclosed hospital in the Philippine capital for further treatment.

“The Swiss embassy has expressed its gratitude for the Philippine government especially to the AFP Units in Sulu,” Cabunoc said.

Sieber and Catapang oversaw the medical evacuation of Vinciguera in Villamor airbase to the hospital.