The kidnappers of ABS-CBN reporter Ces Drilon and her cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion have given an indefinite extension on talks for their captives’ release, the son of the crisis negotiator said.
Jun Isnaji, son of Indanan town Mayor Alvarez Isnaji, told reporters at a press conference in Sulu that the kidnappers have agreed to continue the negotiations for the release of Drilon and her cameraman. He said the abductors have also promised not to harm their captives.
The kidnappers had earlier said that they are giving the families of the victim until Tuesday noon to deliver a P15-million ransom.
The young Isnaji said the kidnappers had threatened to behead the victims. He, however, said the kidnappers had changed their minds and promised not to hurt Drilon, Encarnacion and Mindanao peace advocate Prof. Octavio Dinampo, who served as guide to Drilon’s news crew in Sulu.
He said negotiators are also discussing alternatives to ransom in the form of livelihood project.
The families of Drilon and Encarnacion earlier pleaded with members of the Abu Sayyaf to free their captives.
"We’re doing everything to get them free, but you must understand that we do have some limitations," Grech Oreña said over local radio on the southern island of Jolo, where her 46-year-old sister has been held captive for over a week.
The 15-year old daughter of Encarnacion also appealed for compassion.
"We need our father," Joy Encarnacion said. "We don’t know where to get money for our school."
The three-person TV crew of Drilon, Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama and their guide, university professor Octavio Dinampo, were kidnapped over a week ago. Valderama was released last week.
Drilon’s employer, ABS-CBN, has repeatedly said it would not pay a ransom and disputed comments from Alvarez, who said the station was not giving the families any support.
"We are saddened and troubled by accusations that ABS-CBN has abandoned Ces and Jimmy," the network said in a statement. "ABS-CBN is doing everything it can to help them and their families through this harrowing ordeal."
On Monday, the government P500,000 bounty for two Abu Sayyaf leaders held responsible for the kidnapping.
