Monday, June 16, 2008
Abu Sayyaf bandits want P15-M ransom by Tuesday
MANILA (Updated 12:37 p.m.) -- The kidnappers of ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, her cameraman and a university professor have demanded a P15-million ransom to be delivered Tuesday noon, an ABS-CBN News Channel report says.
According to the television report, Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji, who is acting as negotiator in the kidnapping crisis, said the kidnappers set Tuesday as the deadline for the P15 million ransom for Drilon, ABS-CBN cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and Professor Octavio Dinampo of the Mindanao State University.
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The kidnappers released ABS-CBN assistant cameraman Angelo Valderama Thursday night after taking the television crew June 8 with Dinampo, who was their guide.
The mayor added that he nearly backed out of the negotiations but decided against it after talking with Drilon on the mobile phone Monday morning.
He said Drilon cried during the phone conversation around 8 a.m.
Meanwhile, ABS-CBN issued a statement on Monday, saying they are "deeply saddened and troubled by accusations that ABS-CBN has abandoned Ces and Jimmy."
"ABS-CBN is doing everything it can to help them and their families through this harrowing ordeal," the statement said.
The statement further said, "ABS-CBN 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."
The ultimatum came after armed troops shelled a forested area on southern Jolo island where the extremists are holding the trio.
Troops moved into the area near the town of Indanan on Sunday to put pressure on Abu Sayyaf extremists.
Alvarez said he was worried the military's shelling could endanger the lives of the hostages. But Philippine Marines commander Major General Nelson Allaga said he was certain the hostages were not in the area at the time.
President Gloria Arroyo has ordered police and troops to get back all of the hostages alive. (Sunnex)
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(June 16, 2008 issue)
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