After nine days of captivity, ABS-CBN senior correspondent Ces Oreña-Drilon, cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion, and their guide Prof. Octavio Dinampo were finally set free by their abductors last night, June 17, at around 11 pm in Barangay Kagay, Talipao in Sulu province.
In an initial report by DZMM, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. revealed that the three, upon release, were ushered immediately to the residence of Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji.
"Sila ay dadalhin dito sa Zamboanga kung saan po ay mag-a-undergo sila ng medical check-up at pagkatapos po niyan ay isang debriefing para malaman po natin sa kanila directly kung anong nangyari," shared Razon.
Ces and her team were abducted by suspected members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf—a group of bandits linked to the international terrorist network Al-Qaeda. Originally, there were four hostages taken by the armed bandits but ABS-CBN assistant cameraman Angelo Valderama was released and turned over to Jun Isnaji, son of Mayor Isnaji, on June 12.
"YOU ARE MY LIFELINE." As expected, and as soon as word of the kidnapping had spread, the abductors asked for ransom money in exchange for the life and freedom of the hostages. ABS-CBN, however, refused to give in, saying that bending to such demand might set a precedent and encourage more kidnappings, particularly of journalists.
The negotiating team was composed of Sulu Governor Sakur Tan and Vice-Governor Hadja Nur Ana Sahidullah. Moro National Liberation Front leader Mayor Alvarez Isnaji served as the emissary between the authorities and the rebels.
Former ABS-CBN broadcast journalist and now Senator Loren Legarda was also instrumental in securing the freedom of the hostages. With a deadline looming and fearing for her life, a desperate Ces reportedly promised the kidnappers that they would receive the P15-million ransom money. During a phone conversation, a distraught Ces later on confided to Legarda that she doesn't have enough money to even meet the promised amount.
Early reports said that Ces was just forced to give her word because she was asked by her captors at gunpoint. Ces also asked for Legarda's help to act for their immediate release, saying the words: "You are my lifeline."
In an interview, Loren theorized that the captors softened when "they realized that they wouldn't get anything and when they felt the [military] pressure."
She also stressed that no money was involved, noting the release was "unconditional," though the authorities refused to divulge the agreement met by both parties.
Loren shared that Ces and her companions had to walk for five hours before they were turned over to the authorities.
"Nag-agahan na rin sila ng lugaw after one week of eating noodles sa bundok," PNP Director General Avelino Razon Jr. told reporters in an interview earlier today.
Medical findings on Ces revealed that the popular broadcast journalist was "very pale" and currently has low blood pressure due to lack of sleep. She also suffered mosquito bites.
Ces and her companions met their families in a beach resort in Zamboanga City, with Loren Legarda and ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs chief Maria Ressa.