The Way of War: Freedom of Andreas Notter

I was watching TV last night, late night news more specifically, and all I've seen were about the death of Mr. Ted Failon's wife and the still-controversial "freedom" of Andreas Notter from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.

Of the two "hot" news of these days what made me think more, critizing and scrutinizing, was the one about Notter. I believe that there are a lot of people thinking how Notter escaped, as was the the government claimed, or did he really escaped?

Below are some articles regarding the freedom of Mr. Notter:

Notter: Freed or Rescued?
Swiss hostage walks free

What I was thinking is that the Swiss national could have been freed from the hand of the Abu Sayyaf group but not by escaping but thru a negotation between the rebels and the government. A possible randsom (in cash or in kind) might have been agreed by the two parties in exchange for the freedom of Notter; who knows the same thing might have happened to the freedom of the first hostage.

During a short press conference with Notter and the media tried to asked him how he had escaped he couldn't answer; instead the other people from Red Cross told the press that Notter should undergo further briefing. Well, briefing for what? Even Notter is confused how he had went away from his captors. Seems like he had done the thing without any hassle.

I'm thinking this way (actually I'm thinking a lot of possible angles), there was an agreement done between the government and the rebels to free Notter but they will have to make sure that the people will take it as an escape; no 'downside' for both parties. If it would be a military rescue then it would be known that the Abu Sayyaf's force is not really strong; so it is a downside for them. If the people will know that the government had paid a ransom then it will be a downside for the military forces. So both parties will have to stage something that could be easily accepted by the people; an escape!

If Notter had really escaped then I wouldn't think the rebels will still keep the Italian, Eugenio Vagni, alive. If Notter had really escaped then I wouldn't think the military forces or the government will let the media know it immediately. On the other hand, I am really glad to know that Notter is now free and safe. Hopefully Vagni will have his freedom soon.