Blockbuster Movie

The news on the Sulu Kidnapping indeed is like a movie that will surely generate millions of dollars in revenues. There are many twists, drama, action and politics. Not to mention the cast are not just ordinary people... but are Ces Drilon, 2 cameramen and a peace advocate and Mindanao State University professor. The media crew are also not just a local TV station, but a leading network in the country. The abductors are also not just ordinary group but is the infamous terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. Everything fits into a perfect screenplay of a blockbuster movie.

Ces Drilon and her team were kidnapped. At first there was silence since ABS-CBN didn't broadcast the story yet due to fears it might compromise the lives of the crew. Then the news exploded one morning. It was everywhere- print, TV, radio and online. Indanan Mayor Isnaji became the emissary who negotiated with the Abu Sayyaf. A P15M ransom was demanded and has until Tuesday 12 noon or else they will behead the TV crew... including Ces Drilon.

Then just hours after the given deadline, the team was freed. It was learned Sen. Loren Legarda was involved in the negotiations... as well the Interior and Local Government Department and the security forces of the AFP and PNP.

The twists doesn't end there. The emissary Mayor Isnaji is now being charged of taking part of the kidnapping. Authorities say he pocketed P3M of the P5M ransom given by the family of Ces. One must also remember that during the height of the kidnapping, Isnaji said he will quit as emissary if the ransom will not be given.. (sounds so un-emissary like, huh?). To add to the story, Isnaji is actually running for governor of ARMM in a few months.

There were also reports that the Mindanao State University professor, who was also kidnapped, was said to have been part of the kidnapping group. Some say he betrayed the group of Ces and led them to the kidnappers. There were also reports that the driver of Ces in Sulu also betrayed them. Of course, these are still unverified reports.

The story doesn't end when Ces and her team were freed. A lot of questions were raised if indeed the mayor was part of the abductors, how much ransom was actually given, who were the kidnappers, and a lot more. Stories of betrayal, freedom and mystery continues to engulf this tale.

One good thing is that Ces and her team: cameramen Angelo Valderama and Jimmy Encarnacion, as well as Prof. Octavio Dinampo are all safe. ABS-CBN, true to its slogan "walang iwanan" gave a welcome party for the 3 media crew.

Hopefully this ends the kidnapping and murder of journalists around the world.

*some pictures during the ABS-CBN's Welcome Back party for Ces and team