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Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Abducted TV reporter, 3 others sighted in Sulu town
MANILA (Updated, 12 p.m.) -- Police authorities searching for a television reporter and three others believed to have been abducted by the Abu Sayyaf were seen in Maimbung town, Sulu province.
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), after getting confirmation of the abduction of ABS-CBN reporter Ces Drilon and three others, created a special group in Jolo, Sulu to help monitor the whereabouts and condition of the victims.
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The victims were reportedly held by the group of Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad.
The Maimbung police chief reported sightings in the Kulasi area of Parad and of people with a video camera inside a vehicle.
Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, secretary general of the Mindanao People's Caucus, said residents have told Maimbung Mayor Najib Maldisa that they witnessed several armed men intercepting Drilon's group.
Latest information gathered by Sun.Star on Tuesday from intelligence sources said Drilon and her crew were last sighted at the foot hills of Mt. Tumatangis, Indanan, Sulu.
ABS-CBN in a press statement confirmed that journalists Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama were missing in Sulu.
The MILF, in confirming Drilon’s abduction, reported that the television reporter’s group was kidnapped by an Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, a certain Gafur Gumbahali.
Gafur, the report added, is the brother of dreaded Abu Sayyaf leader Dr. Abu Jumdail Gumbahali.
Drilon and her crew arrived last Saturday in Jolo upon the invitation of Professor Octavio Dinampo of the Mindanao State University "to cover a special event," said Goltiao.
Dinampo served as guide of Drilon's group, who stayed at the Sulu State University Hotel.
MILF help
The MILF in a statement posted on its website, www.luwaran.com, said its special group is headed by an MILF police officer, whose identity is not divulged in order to allow him and his group freedom of movement in Sulu.
Jun Mantawil, head of the MILF peace panel secretariat, clarified however that the MILF can offer limited help, as the Abu Sayyaf and MILF are “like water and oil.”
“But we will do everything in our limited ways to help secure her and her companions early freedom,” he vowed.
ABS-CBN’s appeal
ABS-CBN in a press statement confirmed that Drilon, Encarnacion, and Valderama are missing in Sulu.
“All efforts are underway to find them and bring them home,” the statement said.
The television network also appealed to other media to report on the abduction story “with utmost consideration for the safety of our news team.”
The kidnappers are reportedly demanding a P10 million ransom in exchange for the freedom of Dinampo, Drilon, and the cameramen.
Goltiao, however, said he is not aware of any ransom demand, adding that he is trying to reach ABS-CBN in Manila for more details.
This is the second time that a journalist from ABS-CBN was kidnapped in Sulu. In 2000, ABS-CBN reporter Maan Macapagal and her cameraman, Val Cuenca, were also kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf terror group.
CPJ concern for victims
Meanwhile, an international media watchdog said Tuesday it was deeply concerned for the safety of Drilon and her crew and guide who were reported missing on Jolo island since Sunday.
The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists said it was "deeply concerned for the safety of these three journalists."
Bob Dietz, the group's Asia coordinator, said in a statement that the volatile southern region of the Philippines "remains insecure for the press, and we call on local authorities to work diligently to secure their safe and swift release."
Abu Sayyaf is estimated to have 380 fighters, down from more than 1,000 eight years ago. It has been weakened by US-backed military offensives that have led to the killing and capture of many of its leaders and members.
But police said the militants have continued to plot attacks, including against US soldiers who have been providing counter-terrorism training to Filipino troops in Jolo and nearby provinces.
Washington has blacklisted the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist group for bombings, kidnappings, and beheadings. The group was behind the 2001 abduction from a resort island of 21 people who included three Americans.
Philippine military and police officials say the group - which seeks a separate state for the country's Muslim minority - has received training and funds from al-Qaeda militants in the past. (BPG/AP/Sunnex)
Related story:
Broadcaster, 3 others abducted in SuluFor more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cebu. (June 10, 2008 issue)
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