2008 Maimbung kidnappings

In June 2008, ABS-CBN journalist Ces Drilon and news cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderrama were abducted in Maimbung, Sulu, by al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants. She was held for ransom for nine days.

2008 Maimbung kidnappings
Part of Moro conflict
LocationMaimbung, Sulu, Philippines
Date (2008-June-03) (2008-June-12)June 3–12, 2008
(9 days)
TargetCes Drilon
Jimmy Encarnacion
Angelo Valderrama
Octavio Dinampo
Attack type
Kidnapping
PerpetratorsAbu Sayyaf

Kidnapping

In June 2008, Ces Drilon and news cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderrama were abducted in Maimbung, Sulu, by al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants. She was held for ransom for nine days.[1]

Drilon's team was invited by Professor Octavio Dinampo, an academic at the Mindanao State University–Sulu. Dinampo, a Muslim, was also missing.[2] The militants were led by Albader Parad, an Abu Sayyaf leader and Gapur Jundain, former member of the Moro National Liberation Front.[3][4]

Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, police regional director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), announced that: "Pinapakain naman sila (They are being fed well), they are well and alive, hindi sila nakatali (they are not tied) and nakakalabas sila (they are able to move around) but they are being escorted." Ransom was allegedly demanded, ranging from ₱10 million to ₱30 million (US$410,000 and US$630,000). Drilon was the third local journalist to be kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf after 2000.[5] A documentary on Drilon's kidnapping was aired on ABS-CBN on July 13, 2011.[6]

Release and deadline

The militants released Valderama on June 12, after a ransom payment of ₱100,000 pesos (US$2,250). Negotiator Isnaji Alvarez stated that the abductors gave Drilon's family until June 17 to pay US$1.12 million, but a deadline for the other two hostages was unclear.[7] Xinhua, reported that the "militants had set a deadline of Tuesday noon for a ransom of ₱15 million pesos (US$337,079), local media reported Monday."[8] Isnaji earlier said "the abductors demanded 20 million pesos (US$450,000) in ransom."[9] Minutes before the deadline, the kidnappers extended "Indefinitely" the deadline for the release of Drilon and her companions, with the abductors requesting livelihood products in exchange for their freedom.[10]

Drilon and her companions were released on June 17, 2008,[11] following negotiations with Philippine security officials. Oreña-Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion and Octavio Dinampo were picked up in Talipao, Indanan, Sulu, by Mayor Alvarez Isnaji at about midnight.

After eating noodles for 9 days surrounded by more than 20 abductors, Drilon and her crew met Grechie and Frank Oreña, Drilon's siblings, with Loren Legarda and Maria Ressa on June 18, in Zamboanga City, at the La Vista del Mar Beach Resort.[12] They arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport from Zamboanga International Airport around 2:00 PM for a short press conference, and underwent a medical checkup at Medical City Hospital in Pasig City, Metro Manila.

Senator Loren Legarda, a negotiator, said the refusal of ABS-CBN and the government to pay a ransom, and the deployment of troops around Indanan, prompted the release.[13] Al Jazeera's reporter, Veronica Pedrosa, stated "a military offensive near the kidnappers' camp had apparently helped free the hostages."[14] Drilon stated that she was betrayed by someone who delivered her to the kidnappers and the Abu Sayyaf militants threatened to behead them: "We came close to losing our lives; There was some betrayal involved and that is why we were kidnapped; I thought I was so reckless. I didn't think of my family who I put through a really terrible ordeal in the past 10 days. I would like to thank everybody - words are not enough to thank those who prayed for the professor, and Jimmy and Angel and myself. I put the lives of my team in danger so it was really a very sobering experience to me." AFP reported that ransom was paid "following talks between the Abu Sayyaf and Senator Loren Legarda, who is expected to contest the 2010 presidential election."[15] The Canadian Press stated that "There were speculations that as much as $337,000 in ransom was paid for their release. Drilon condemned the abductors, who tied them and slapped her during the dire detention."[16] AHN, however, reported that the release was made in exchange for livelihood assistance instead of a ransom.[17] Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon stated: "Sabi niya pasensya na General, pati ikaw ay nadamay. Sabi ko trabaho lang ito, kami talagang tutulong para sa inyong pagbalik (She told me, General I'm sorry you were dragged into this. I told her, it's not a problem, it's our job to ensure your safe return)."[18]

Arrest and investigation

Octavio Dinampo, on June 20, stated that Mayor Alvarez Isnaji, alias "Larin-Larin," pocketed much of the "first" ransom of ₱5 million (US$112,500). Isnaji's lawyer, Ernesto Francisco, however, said his client was innocent and prosecuted for political reasons: "If you examine the background of Mayor Isnaji, there is no instance in the past that he was involved in any criminal activity." Raul M. Gonzalez said "Isnaji was a highly respected politician in Jolo who plans to run for governor of the Muslim autonomous region, which includes the island, in August."[19] Gonzalez and PNP Director General Avelino Razon Jr. affirmed that Isnaji "kept to himself ₱3 million (US$67,568) and paid the kidnappers ₱2 million (US$45,045) (from the Drilon family)."[20] Razon, Jr. showed pictures of Isnaji, his son, Haider, and Sulu Vice-Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla gathered around the ₱5 million ransom, with Senior Superintendent Willy Quidato. Meanwhile, Dinampo and Sulu provincial police director Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim said that guide Juamil "Mameng" Biyaw betrayed the ABS-CBN team.[21]

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed the complaint before the Department of Justice on June 20, against Isnaji, his son Haider and 14 Abu Sayyaf members, for the kidnapping. Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion and Angel Valderama personally signed the complaint. The pre-trial conference was set for 1pm on Monday.[22][23] They are currently detained at the PNP headquarters.[24] Razon, Jr. implicated at least 3 relatives of Isnaji: "Three of the suspects are relatives of the mayor, di natin alam sino yan (At least three of the suspects are relatives of the mayor but we have not identified them by name)." Also, Razon affirmed inquiry into a supposed 2nd payoff / ransom concerning 2 duffel bags flown into Sulu via a South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) flight hours before the hostages' release.[25] DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno also said that Isnaji (and his son) may have masterminded the abduction: "The kidnappers themselves were double-crossed."[26]

On October 11, 2008, Al-Qaeda members linked ASG Asma Awang, Makambian Sakilan, and Tagayan Sakilan, all from Talipao, Sulu, including Marcial Totoh Jabarot, alias Abu Cesar, were arrested by the Sixth Marine Battalion Landing Team in Jolo. Also, suspect Adjili Sakilan was killed and 4 fled. Meanwhile, the Sulu Philippine National Police and Task Force Comet announced probe of Asma Awang and relatives Makambian Sakilan and Tagayan Sakilan in Drilon's abduction.[27] Further, Lt. Colonel Ernesto Torres Jr said Devaro was an Abu Sayyaf member from 2000 under Kumander Tahil Salih.[28]

Documentary

Kidnap, a documentary on Drilon's kidnapping was made and aired by ABS-CBN on July 13, 2008.[6] However, the Department of Justice per government prosecutors warned ABS-CBN against airing any video footage, alleging that it would affect the pending investigation's outcome.[29]

Suspension of Drilon

On July 5, 2008, Drilon was imposed with a 3-month suspension as news anchor of Bandila and as senior correspondent by ABS-CBN, for disobeying orders dissuading her from going to Sulu deeming her action as a violation of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs's Standards and Ethics Manual. Earlier, Ces apologized "for unwittingly endangering lives." Maria Ressa noted the "grave consequences of her error in judgment."[30][31][32] On October 6, 2008, Drilon returned as co-anchor of Bandila after the suspension's lapse.[33][34]

References
  1. Merueñas, Mark (June 18, 2008). "Abductors threatened to behead me many times - cameraman". GMA News Online. GMA Network. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  2. "Committee to Protect Journalists concerned for safety of kidnapped Filipino TV crew". International Herald Tribune. Herald. June 10, 2008. Archived from the original on June 18, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  3. "ABS-CBN: Official Statement on Ces Drilon". ABS-CBN News. June 10, 2008. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
  4. "Suspected al-Qaida-linked militants abduct 3-person TV team in Philippines". International Herald Tribune. Associated Press. June 9, 2008. Retrieved June 10, 2008.
  5. "Philippine TV crew held hostage". www.aljazeera.com. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  6. "Ces, Angelo and Jimmy tell all in "Kidnap" documentary on ABS-CBN". ABS-CBN News. July 10, 2008. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  7. "Philippine kidnappers set Tuesday deadline for hostage release". June 16, 2008. Archived from the original on June 18, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  8. news.xinhuanet.com, Militants set ultimatum for kidnapped Philippine journalist
  9. "Tuesday deadline set to ransom kidnapped Philippine journalists". The Canadian Press. June 17, 2008. Archived from the original on June 18, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  10. "Drilon kidnappers extend deadline 'indefinitely'--negotiator". Archived from the original on June 18, 2008. Retrieved June 17, 2008.
  11. "Ces Oreña-Drilon, companions freed". Archived from the original on June 21, 2008. Retrieved June 17, 2008.
  12. "Abducted journalist reunites with family". SunStar. June 18, 2008. Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  13. Alcuaz Jr., Francisco (June 18, 2008). "Philippine Extremists Free TV Presenter, Two Hostages (Update2)". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved June 9, 2022.
  14. "english.aljazeera.net, Philippine TV crew released". Archived from the original on June 18, 2008. Retrieved June 18, 2008.
  15. "Muslim kidnappers free Philippine TV crew after payments". June 19, 2008. Archived from the original on June 20, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  16. "Abu Sayyaf militants release kidnapped journalists in southern Philippines". The Canadian Press. June 18, 2008. Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  17. "Kidnappers Free Philippine TV News Crew, Prof In Exchange For Livelihood Aid". June 17, 2008. Archived from the original on June 19, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  18. philstar.com, Drilon apologizes to Razon
  19. "khaleejtimes.com, Negotiator kept 60 percent of Philippines TV crew's ransom (AFP)". Archived from the original on April 1, 2012. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  20. Alberto, Thea; Torres, Tetch (June 20, 2008). "TV reporter's family paid P5M but mayor kept P3M--officials". Archived from the original on June 20, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  21. philstar.com, Sulu Police: Guide betrayed ABS-CBN team
  22. xinhuanet.com, Philippine abduction negotiator faces charges as kidnapper
  23. Guinto, Joel (June 19, 2008). "CIDG files formal complaint vs Isnajis for Drilon kidnap". Archived from the original on June 20, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  24. abs-cbnnews.com, 'Isnaji pocketed much of P5-M ransom'
  25. "PNP links 3 more relatives of Isnaji to Drilon kidnapping". GMA News Online. GMA Network. June 20, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  26. "Puno: Proof indicates Isnaji masterminded kidnapping". GMA News Online. GMA Network. June 20, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  27. Quismundo, Tarra (October 11, 2008). "3 nabbed Abus possibly in Drilon kidnap". Archived from the original on October 20, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  28. "Another alleged Sayyaf bandit in Drilon kidnapping arrested". GMA News Online. GMA Network. October 12, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  29. Guinto, Joel (July 11, 2008). "Prosecution warns ABS-CBN vs airing kidnap footage". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Archived from the original on August 3, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  30. "ABS-CBN suspends Drilon for 3 months". July 5, 2008. Archived from the original on July 6, 2008. Retrieved July 5, 2008.
  31. abs-cbnnews.com, ABS-CBN statement on Ces Oreña-Drilon suspension
  32. Maria Ressa breaks silence on Ces Drilon kidnapping
  33. Doe, John (October 6, 2008). "Ces Drilon returns to 'Bandila'". Retrieved December 14, 2020.
  34. Ong, James (October 5, 2008). "Ces Drilon: Life interrupted". Archived from the original on October 6, 2008. Retrieved December 14, 2020.
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