Kidnapped ABS-CBN reporter Ces Drilon along with camera man Jimmy Encarnacion and Octavio Dinampo, a professor of Mindanao State University professor were freed at last last night at around 11PM which is also the same time that Angelo Valderama, another kidnapped cameraman along with them was freed on June 12 in time for Independence Day after reportedly paying P2M not for ransom but only for his so called board and lodging.

The three who were freed last night were with their captors for nine (9) days after they were kidnapped last June 8 in Maimbung, a province in Sulu when they were supposed to do an interview of a leader of the Abu Sayyaf. “I want to thank everybody. Words are not enough to thank those who prayed for the professor, Jimmy, Angel, and myself,” Drilon told reporters in Sulu before boarding a military chopper going to Zamboanga City.

From what I heard, Ces was saddened when she learned that her mother was greatly affected by her kidnapping and suffered a stroke nervous breakdown. As of yesterday, the kidnappers believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf had given a 12noon deadline for a ransom of P15M which was already lowered from their original P12M demand. From what I know there was no ransom paid. Only promised livelihood for the families of the abductors.This is good news and a blessings that they were released unharmed. They were said to be in good condition. This successful release was made through the efforts made by Mayor Alvarez Isnaji of Indanan, Sulu and Governor Sakur Tan. ABS-CBN was thankful that their prayers have been answered and their efforts were rewarded by the safe release of Drilon, Encarnacion and their guide, Professor Dinampo. They are also very grateful to those who helped negotiate in their release particularly the Sulu local government. Senator Loren Legarda, who was also a former broadcaster in ABS-CBN for a long time before entering politics, also helped in the negotiations.

Philippine National Police Director General Avelino Razon said that the lesson for this is that press freedom cannot be exercised by placing the reporters or journalists in danger. And I agree and hope that this would never ever happen again with journalists or even ordinary people.

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