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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Ces Drilon, 2 others released
MANILA (Updated 1:12 a.m.) -- ABS-CBN senior reporter Ces Oreña-Drilon, her cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion, and their guide Professor Octavio Dinampo were freed early Wednesday, nine days after being held captive.
Their release was confirmed by Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Avelino Razon Jr.
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Razon said Drilon's group is now under the custody of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and they will shortly proceed to Zamboanga City.
He also said no ransom was paid in exchange for the release of Drilon and her two companions.
Related story:
PNP chief: Ces Drilon, 2 others may be released soon
A Tuesday noon deadline was earlier set by the bandits for the payment of P15-million ransom, but this was extended.
Drilon, cameramen Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, and Dinampo were seized on June 8 by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Kulasi, Maimbung town while on their way for a special coverage.
Kidnappers initially released Valderama last Thursday.
In a TV interview, Senator Loren Legarda said Drilon informed her around midnight that she is already in the house of Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji.
Drilon has been calling Legarda while she was in the hands of her kidnappers. “Ces calls me everyday asking when they would be freed. She would put me on speaker phone and I appeal to her abductors not to hurt them,” said Legarda.
She also thanked Mayor Isnaji and his two sons for helping them out in the negotiation, adding that they played a major role in the safe release of Drilon and her companions. (Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pangasinan. (June 18, 2008 issue)
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