Puno: Proof indicates Isnaji masterminded kidnapping

(Updated 3:55 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Interior and Local Government on Friday maintained that investigators have basis to charge Alvarez Isnaji and his son in the kidnapping of television reporter Ces Drilon and her crew, adding that the Indanan mayor might have masterminded the abduction and pocketed most of the P5-million ransom. [...]

Isnaji, son tagged as suspects in TV crew, prof kidnapping

(Updated 10:30 a.m.) MANILA, Philippines – Police have arrested Sulu Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and his son for the kidnapping of broadcast journalist Cecilia Victoria “Ces” Oreña-Drilon and three others in Sulu last June 8. In an interview on dzBB radio, Interior Sec. Ronaldo Puno on Thursday morning said the arrest was based on statements by [...]

Muslim kidnappers free Philippine TV crew after payments

Tearful and scarred by mosquito bites, a Philippines television presenter said Wednesday she was “betrayed” into the hands of Muslim militant kidnappers who threatened to behead her group. Prominent broadcaster Cecilia “Ces” Drilon said she, two cameramen and a Muslim academic “came close to losing our lives” in the hands of Abu Sayyaf kidnappers on [...]

Suspected Abu bandits free TV reporter 2 others in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits released television reporter Cecilia Victoria “Ces” Drilon and two others in the village of Kagay, in the town of Talipao, Sulu, a few minutes past midnight Wednesday. Director General Avelino Razon Jr, Philippine National Police chief, confirmed the release of the hostages. He said Drilon and her [...]

Abu Sayyaf extends deadline; ransom alternatives explored

(Updated 12:50 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines – The deadline for the delivery of the P15-million ransom for the release of the three remaining hostages being held by the Abu Sayyaf has been “extended,” although it was not clear whether negotiators are working on a new timeframe for the release of the captives. QTV’s Balitanghali reported that [...]

Lines restored: Ces talks to negotiators, Dinampo to family

She requested the negotiators to buy her tissue paper, and pleaded to her kidnappers to allow the other hostage, 56-year-old Octavio Dimapo to talk to his family. On Saturday, QTV’s Balitanghali reported that kidnapped ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Ces Drilon was able to renew her communication lines with government negotiators, a day after it was reported [...]

Man linked to abduction of TV crew in Sulu surrenders

MANILA, Philippines – The man believed to have a hand in the kidnapping in Sulu province of two mediamen and a university professor has surrendered to authorities. In an interview with radio dzBB’s Benjie Liwanag on Saturday, Major Gen. Juancho Sabban said the man identified as Wamil “Mameng” Biao went down the mountains and “voluntarily [...]

Philippines TV crew member freed: negotiator

One of three TV journalists abducted by suspected Muslim extremists was freed in the southern Philippines late Thursday, a local official who negotiated the release told AFP. ABS-CBN cameraman Angelo Valderrama was brought to the home of the mayor of Indanan town in Jolo island, said the mayor, Isnaji Alvarez. But prominent anchorwoman Ces Drilon [...]

No govt sanction on talks for release of ABS-CBN crew

MANILA, Philippines – Defense and military officials on Thursday said ongoing negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf for the release of broadcast journalist Cecilia Victoria “Ces” Oreña-Drilon and four others are not sanctioned by the government. In an interview, Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr said he was not aware of any negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf [...]