Has the ICRC received any news from Eugenio?

He was able to call his family on the morning of Friday 8 May. However, the entire situation is difficult for his loved ones, who of course remain very worried about him. We are keenly aware of the distress they are feeling.

At the ICRC, we also remain very worried about Eugenio's safety and well-being. His captivity is an agony for him, for his family and friends, and for the entire ICRC.

We earnestly hope that the abductors will release Eugenio safe and sound, and that they will do so immediately, without imposing any conditions.

What can the ICRC do to secure the release of Eugenio?

We are doing everything we can. Many people are working behind the scenes to resolve the crisis, and we are grateful for their efforts. We are in constant contact with the authorities in the Philippines and Italy, who are monitoring developments closely.

We want Eugenio and his family to know that every possible step is being taken to bring about his release. We are not discussing these efforts in detail, however, as doing so could make it harder to achieve our aim.

Some media have reported that a ransom has been demanded or paid, and that the ICRC has offered to pay for information on Eugenio. Do you have any comment?

Let me say once again that the ICRC has not received any demand for ransom since this crisis began. It is important to make it clear that the ICRC's policy is not to pay ransoms in the event that any of its staff are kidnapped. There are no exceptions under this policy. Let me also say very plainly that the ICRC is not offering to pay – and will not pay – for information on Eugenio.

We have repeatedly stated our position on these matters throughout the crisis. It is extremely upsetting that rumours of this kind nevertheless continue to circulate, as they could potentially jeopardize the ICRC's work in other conflict zones and sensitive areas around the world – not only in the Philippines.

Is the current crisis affecting the ICRC's operations in the Philippines?

Despite the crisis, the ICRC remains committed to helping the people of Philippines affected by armed conflict and other violence. In Central Mindanao, where tens of thousands of families are still living in displacement centres, the Philippine National Red Cross and the ICRC are distributing food and essential household items to those who were forced to flee their homes. We are also working with the Philippine National Red Cross to provide access to clean water and health care. In addition, the ICRC continues to help the national authorities resolve problems of humanitarian concern within the prison system by visiting inmates and upgrading facilities.

We believe our work remains essential. We have received messages of support from religious leaders, concerned citizens and various organizations in the Philippines. We would like to express our deepest appreciation to all those who have spoken out in support of our colleague and his safe and rapid return to his family. This constant support is a source of strength for us and for Eugenio's family.

For the past 150 years, the ICRC's job has been to assist the victims of war across the globe. Eugenio went to the Philippines to work in the spirit of Henry Dunant, the founder of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. It hurts to see people who respond to crisis with purely humanitarian intentions become the victims. We hope the kidnappers will heed our repeated appeals and release Eugenio safe and sound, without condition and without further delay.