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Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Gov't vows to catch Drilon kidnappers
MANILA (Updated 11:11 a.m.)-- Government vowed to continue the hunt for the abductors of television journalist Ces Drilon and three others as Malacañang welcomed the release of the remaining victims late Tuesday.
"We are happy for bringing the victims back but our rejoicing must not overshadow our unrelenting efforts to bring the perpetrators to the bar of justice and face the full force of the law," said Press Secretary Jesus Dureza in a text message to reporters.
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Dureza also lauded the Crisis Management Committee, local officials and members of the police led by Director General Avelino Razon Jr. and the military led by Western Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Nelson Allaga for their "steadfast and excellent handling of the impasse involving Drilon and her three other companions."
"The safety and welfare of the victims was always the foremost consideration all throughout their ordeal," he added.
Al-Qaida-linked militants freed Drilon, her cameraman and a university professor late Tuesday, more than a week after snatching them in Sulu province, police said.
"Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion and Prof. (Octavio) Dinampo were freed," Razon, national police chief, said. "They were fetched at a designated place...and are now in the house of Mayor (Alvarez) Isnaji."
Isnaji, mayor of Indanan township, helped negotiate with the kidnappers, who earlier demanded P15 million in ransom. Razon said no ransom was paid and the release was a result of the negotiations.
The journalists were being taken to nearby Zamboanga city for medical exams and debriefing before flying to Manila, Razon added.
"We are thankful that our prayers have been answered and our efforts rewarded," said a joint statement by the journalists' families and ABS-CBN television network.
"We received a great outpouring of support from people all over the world who care for freedom. Their words of comfort and prayers guided and strengthened us throughout this ordeal," the statement said.
The kidnappers had threatened to behead the hostages if the ransom were not paid, one of the negotiators, Jun Isnaji, the mayor's son, told reporters in Jolo. But they postponed a noon deadline and agreed to continue talks, as the journalists' families made several tearful appeals on radio for the hostages to be freed.
He said he told the kidnappers that instead of a ransom they could be given funding for "livelihood projects," without specifying the nature of the projects. He did not say what their reaction was.
Razon, who met with police and military officials in Zamboanga, said authorities had been ready to launch a rescue operation if negotiations failed, with ground troops and air and naval assets "ready for immediate deployment."
Police identified two of the kidnappers Monday and announced a P500,000 reward for each. On Tuesday, they released sketches of Sulayman Patta and a man named Walid.
The ABS-CBN said Monday it was doing everything it could to help the hostages and their families through the ordeal, but insisted it would not pay ransom because it would encourage more abductions.
Drilon, her two cameramen and Dinampo were abducted June 8 in Jolo.
The US lists the Abu Sayyaf as a terrorist group responsible for bombings, beheadings and abductions.
Angelo Valderama, one of the two cameramen kidnapped, was released Thursday. Mayor Isnaji said Valderama was freed after the kidnappers were paid a "minimal amount" for the hostages' food expenses.(AP/JMR/Sunnex)
Related Stories:
Abducted journalist reunites with family
Ces Drilon, 2 others released
PNP chief: Ces Drilon, 2 others may be released soon
Kidnappers extend deadline; authorities ready 'final option'
Captors extend deadline for ransom payment
Sayyafs free ABS-CBN TV cameraman
De Castro proposes one negotiator in Drilon kidnap case
Sulu abductors 'barbaric': Dureza
Gov't: No ransom policy in Ces Drilon kidnap case
Police chief: Ransom demand not official
Arroyo orders rescue of Ces Drilon, 3 others
TV network confirms journalists kidnappped for ransom
Abducted TV reporter, 3 others sighted in Sulu town
Broadcaster, 2 others abducted in Sulu
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pangasinan. (June 18, 2008 issue)
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