Ces Drilon and 2 Others Released by Kidnappers

Have you heard the news? Apparently kidnapped television reporter Ces Drilon, cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and Mindanao State University professor Octavio Dinampo were freed late Tuesday night 11pm, nine days after they were abducted in Sulu province.

All three captives were debriefed in Zamboanga City before they are flown back to Manila.

Ces Drilon had press release almost immediately after that with puffy eyes and mosquito-bitten face was all over the news just crying for justice and stuff like that. Broadcasting all over the news how she was threatened with beheading. That must have been a terrible ordeal though, I sympathize with her. Nobody should have to go through torment like that.

President Arroyo has already declared a man-hunt for the kidnappers, suspected to be Abu Sayyaf and aligned with Al Quaeda.

Well, looks like everyone will have to be a little more careful

Read more about the release here

Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama of ABS-CBN Kidnapped For Ransom By Abu Sayyaf

This is the sort of stuff that just happens in the movies. I can't believe it's happening here in the Philippines of all places.

It has been confirmed today that ABS-CBN News journalists Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama have been kidnapped for ransom. Suspects are the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

Apparently, Drilon, cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, and Prof. Octavio Dinampo were seized by armed men in Barangay Labbah, an isolated area, Maimbung Mayor Najib Maldisa said Tuesday.

Unfortunately ABS-CBN News will abide by its policy not to pay ransom because this would embolden kidnap for ransom groups to abduct other journalists, putting more lives at risk. I know the principle is right somehow but imagine being friends and/or family of these journalists. I'd pay anything to get a loved one back.

Who thought becoming a journalist could get so dangerous?