|
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Broadcaster, 3 others abducted in Sulu
MANILA (Updated 12:36 a.m.) -- A group of suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists reportedly snatched a television reporter, her two crews, and their guide in Maimbung town in Sulu, a police official said Monday.
Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, police regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm), said the victims were intercepted by a group of armed men under Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad in Barangay Kulasi, Maimbung town Sunday morning.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
Broadcaster Ces Drilon and her crew arrived in Jolo last Saturday on 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.
On Sunday, Goltiao said Dinampo picked Drilon and her colleagues from the university hostel and armed men identified as being under Parad's command intercepted them.
Goltiao also said authorities were able to identify commander Parad as the head of the group.
Ransom
The kidnappers are reportedly demanding a P10 million ransom in exchange for Dinampo, Drilon, and the cameramen's freedom.
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.
Lawyer Mary Ann Arnado, secretary general of the Mindanao People's Caucus, confirmed that Drilon and Dinampo have been missing since Saturday afternoon after they left the town of Jolo to interview the Abu Sayyaf rebels.
In an email sent to Sun.Star, Arnado said residents have told Maimbung Mayor Najib Maldisa that they witnessed several armed men intercepting Drilon's group.
The Maimbung police also reported sightings of Parad and people with video cameras in Kulasi area.
Investigation
Superintendent Goltiao meantime said efforts are underway to locate the whereabouts of Drilon and the other victims.
"At present, I sent an emissary to identify the location of the group to know the demand of the abductors," he said.
He added: "We convened the provincial crisis management committee to send feelers to negotiate with the abductors, but the abductors have not yet said anything."
Arnado, on the other hand, said they have organized a quick response team composed of Bantay Ceasefire volunteers who would be deployed to Sulu on Tuesday to conduct their own investigation about the abduction.
She said they would also assist in whatever negotiation and mediation efforts that will be necessary for the immediate release of the victims.
Arnado said the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) under Commander Khaid Adjibon also offered help.
She added that they would try to provide support for the family of Dinampo.
Dinampo is also co-convener of the Mindanao Peace Weavers, a network of organizations advocating peace in Mindanao. He also heads Tulong Lupah Sur (TLS), which is a Jolo-based non-government organization.
He has also written some articles based on his interviews with Abu Sayyaf forces. Some of these articles were published in several papers.
Fr. Roberto Layson, Dinampo's co-chair in the Mindanao Peace Weavers, issued an appeal to the abductors not to harm their captives and immediately release them.
As of this writing Monday, ABS-CBN has kept a tight lid on the kidnapping incident and is reportedly waiting for the results of the negotiations with her abductors.
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 Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist group for bombings, kidnappings and beheadings, such as 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. (VR/RE/FG/Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro/Sunnex/With AP)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Cebu. (June 10, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
