MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police chief said Tuesday evening that broadcast journalist Ces Drilon and two others being held hostage by bandits are expected to be released within the next few hours.
“Inaasahan natin na in few hours or a day sina Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion (cameraman) at si Professor Octavio Dinampo ay maibabalik na sa ating piling," PNP chief, Director General Avelino Razon Jr said in an interview aired by local television.
The chief PNP said negotiations are ongoing but added that he is very optimistic that the crisis will end very soon.
GMA News's 24 Oras reporter Marisol Abdurahman reported from Zamboanga City that a medical team has been placed on alert in the event that the kidnapped journalist and her companions released.
Once the turnover happens, the GMA News'report said Drilon and her companions will be given immediate medical attention and may undergo debriefing in Zamboanga City.
“Positive attitude ito na mare-resolve ito na…manunumbalik sina Ces Drilon safely sa ating piling," Razon said.
When asked if Drilon and Encarnacion will be immediately sent back to Manila once they are set free, Razon said he would want them reunited with their families.
“Sa dagliang panahon posible kung pwede para ma-reunite sa family. Para hindi na mahirapan ang pamilya na nag-a-anguish dito sa kanilang pagiging detained,"he said.
Broadcast journalist Cecilia Victoria "Ces" Oreña-Drilon, her cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and Mindanao State University professor Octavio Dinampo are being held by Abu Sayyaf bandits who abducted them on June 8 in Maimbung.
Razon's remarks came after the PNP chief met with his police officers and several military generals in a joint command conference in Zamboanga City.
It also came the same day after the deadline for the delivery of the P15-million ransom for the release of the three remaining hostages lapsed.
The deadline was later "extended," although it was not clear whether negotiators are working on a new timeframe for the release of the captives.
QTV's Balitanghali had earlier reported that Jun Isnaji, son of Indanan Mayor Alvarez Isnaji who was handpicked by the Abu Sayyaf to negotiate for the hostages' release, said the abductors agreed not to push through with threats to execute the victims if the ransom is not delivered by noon Tuesday.
In a separate interview with dzBB radio, Isnaji said the Abu Sayyaf promised not to harm any of the captives while talks are underway.
"Under negotiation pa tayo ngayon. Nangako sila na hindi sasaktan (ang mga hostage) hangga't nag-uusap pa tayo... Ang sabi nila nagmi-meeting pa sila dahil sabi ko maybe you could come out with some proposal besides the money that we cannot deliver," Isnaji said.
"Extension? Hindi ko masasabi hanggang kailan dahil ongoing ang negotiation. Ang sabi nila, they will not do anything hanggang two o'clock dahil nagme-meeting pa tayo," he added.
At least six Marine battalions and a number of elite Army soldiers are presently deployed in Sulu.
Navy chief Vice Admiral Rogelio Calunsag said another battalion stationed in Zamboanga City will be sent to Sulu if the situation warrants.- Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV
" Walang Kinikilingan,Walang Pinoprotektahan, Serbisyong Totoo lang"
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