Swiss kidnapping survivor treated for minor wounds

From the Business Mirror (Dec 7): Swiss kidnapping survivor treated for minor wounds

THE military said on Sunday that Lorenzo Vinciguerra, the Swiss who escaped from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), is already in Manila and is being treated in an undisclosed hospital in the capital.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said Vinciguerra arrived late Saturday afternoon and was turned over to officials of the Swiss Embassy before he checked into a medical facility.

Cabunoc said Vinciguerra only sustained a minor hack wound on his left neck, contrary to reports the Swiss sustained a gunshot wound after he was reportedly shot by one of his captors.

Vinciguerra, 49, escaped from the ASG at Mount Bagsak, Talipao, Sulu, at around 7:30 a.m., while troops were shelling the terrorist group’s position at Sitio Nangka, Barangay, Kulambu, Talipao.

Col. Allan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said the Swiss saw a chance to escape as members of the ASG scrambled away from the lair adjacent to the area pummeled by artillery shells.

Vinciguerra reportedly grabbed the firearm of one of his captors before he dashed for his freedom, Arrojado said.

Elements of the third and second Scout Ranger Companies found the kidnap victims at Barangay Timpook, Patikul.

Cabunoc said military doctors who checked Vinciguerra’s condition at the military hospital in Jolo cleared the victim for travel, which was facilitated by the government.

The chartered plane carrying the victim arrived at Villamor Air Base at around 6:20 p.m. where Swiss Embassy officials led by His Excellency Ivo Sieber, the Swiss ambassador to the Philippines, and Philippine military officials, led by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. met him, according to Cabunoc.

“At around 6:30 p.m., the Swiss Embassy officials promptly brought Vinciguerra to an undisclosed hospital for further treatment,” he added.

Cabunoc said Swiss Embassy officials thanked the government, especially military units in Sulu led by Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero for the safe recovery of Vinciguerra.

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/swiss-kidnapping-survivor-treated-for-minor-wounds/