|
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
PNP chief: Ces Drilon, 2 others may be released soon
MANILA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Avelino Razon Jr. said Tuesday that ABS-CBN senior reporter Ces Oreña-Drilon, her cameraman, and their guide may be released by their captors anytime soon.
"We are very optimistic now. We are hopeful that in few hours or within the day, the group of Ces Drilon would be released," said Razon over a TV interview.
Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo
Drilon, cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, and peace advocate-guide Professor Octavio Dinampo were seized on June 8 by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Barangay Kulasi, Maimbung town while on their way for a special coverage.
Valderama was freed last Thursday evening leaving Drilon, Encarnacion, and Dinampo as the remaining captives.
The kidnappers earlier set a Tuesday deadline for the payment of the P15-million ransom in exchange for the release of the hostages. However, this was extended.
Related stories:
Captors extend deadline for ransom payment
Kidnappers extend deadline; authorities ready 'final option'
Jun Isnaji, son of Indanan town Mayor Alvarez Isnaji who served as negotiator, announced the extension Tuesday morning.
Isnaji, however, said the kidnappers have not yet announced the new deadline for their demands as talks continue. It was also not clear if the ransom demand stands.
The PNP, on the other hand, said it has prepared for a contingency action in the ongoing hostage crisis.
PNP spokesman Nicanor Bartolome said: "The PNP is now making ready for any contingency in relation to the abduction of Ces Drilon et al, by the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group)."
Razon flew to Zamboanga City early Tuesday and was met by Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) Police Regional Director Joel Goltiao and Western Mindanao Police Regional Director Jaime Caringal.
Bartolome said the PNP chief was given a situation briefing by Goltiao and Caringal, the PNP Intelligence Group, "and the chief PNP gave his guidance for a contingency plan in any situation that may arise. Ground troops are in place including air and naval assets."
"The combined PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units tasked to support the efforts of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of the Sulu Governor (Sakur Tan) and the efforts of the Mayor (Alvarez Isnaji) are on standby ready for immediate deployment," said Bartolome.
He said the PNP chief "also conducted a readiness check of standby support units after the conference. We are concerned about the general condition of the hostages. We are hopeful that they will be released safely."
"We will immediately administer medical procedures, nutrition shall be provided, plan for airlift, and reunion with family are also considered," said Bartolome.
For his part, Armed Forces Chief Alexander Yano said the military is considering a rescue operation to end the hostage crisis. But he said the conditions that would call for the launching of a military option still do not exist.
"That is part of the option, but we would not rather discuss into details as to that extreme option that may be availed. Yes, that has always been (an option), right from the start," Yano said.
At least six Marine battalions and a number of elite Army soldiers are presently deployed to Sulu. Navy Chief Rogelio Calunsag said another battalion stationed in Zamboanga City will be sent to Sulu if the situation warrants.
"We have forces who are trained for that (rescue operation), we are capable, we have special units to do that," said Yano.
When asked if the AFP is sending augmentation units to Sulu, he said: "No need. We do not need a big force to address such situation." (VR/With Bong Garcia/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Pangasinan. (June 18, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
