Senator Loren Legarda asked by ABS-CBN news execs to help free Ces Drilon and crew

June 18, 2008

Senator Loren Legarda said Wednesday she was asked by ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs executives to help secure the release the ABS-CBN crew kidnapped in Sulu June 8.

The former ABS-CBN broadcaster said she started working for the release after Maria Ressa, head of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Group, and Charie Villa, head of ABS-CBN News Gathering, sought her help.

“Nung simula naman po hindi ako involved eh. Mula lang nung hiniling ako ni Charie at ni Maria na tumulong, ‘yun lang,” she said.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Legarda confirmed that ABS-CBN senior correspondent Ces Drilon, cameraman Jimmy Encarncion and Prof. Octavio Dimampo were released before midnight Tuesday.

“Patuloy ang aking pagdarasal habang hindi pa po siya nakakabalik dito sa Maynila bagamat siya’y malaya na, importante po na magdasal pa rin tayo. Magpasalamat po tayo sa Panginoon at dininig po ang ating dasal,” Legarda said.

Legarda said she talked with the kidnappers through phone, but she had no clue on their identities.

“Alam n’yo po hindi ko alam ang pangalan nila, hindi ko alam ang itsura nila, hindi ko alam kung anong grupo nila. Lahat po ng aking mga pag-uusap ay dahil lang tinatawagan ako ni Ces, winawarningan niya ako na nasa speaker fone ako,” she narrated.

Tension high

Legarda said the tension was high Tuesday morning when the deadline imposed by the kidnappers was winding down.

“Kaninang umaga, doon ako medyo talagang masyadong naudyok na talagang may gawin talaga at talagang makiusap,” she said.

Legarda said that the kidnappers already tied Encarnacion and was preparing to behead him.

“Pinagsabihan ko sila at I demanded that they untie Jimmy na tanggalin ‘yung tali, ‘yung gapos sa kanya. Tapos nawala na lang si Ces sa ere, sa telepono,” said the senator.

Legarda said she tried contacting Drilon for an hour but to no avail.

Drilon eventually called up Legarda. “Tinanggal ang gapos ni Jimmy, sumunod naman sila,” the senator said.

Palace cites crisis group

Malacañang, meanwhile, congratulated the crisis committee that handled the negotiations.

“Let’s congratulate the crisis management committee and the local officials for their steadfast and excellent handling of the impasse involving Ces… we are happy for bringing the victims back but our rejoice must not overshadow our unrelenting efforts to bring the perpetrators to the bar of justice and face the full force of the law,” said Secretary Jesus Dureza in a text message.

He also commended Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. and the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Gen. Nelso Allaga.

Bookmark to: