Praying for Ces and company

ABS-CBN OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON CES DRILON:

Three ABS-CBN journalists Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo Valderama are missing in Sulu.

All efforts are underway to find them and bring them home.

Until we learn more details, ABS-CBN News requests other media to report on this matter with utmost consideration for the safety of our news team. ABS-CBN News is in touch with the families and asks that their privacy be respected.

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NATIONAL UNION OF JOURNALISTS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Statement
June 10, 2008

Appeal for release of ABS-CBN journalists and companion

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines is deeply concerned at the
reported abduction of respected broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, her crew, Jimmy
Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, and their host, peace advocate Octavio Dimampo, in Sulu by what authorities say are members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Whatever the abductors stand for, whatever their goals are, there is absolutely
no justification for seizing journalists whose sole concern is to seek out the
truth and present this as accurately as possible.

To them, we say, release Ces, Jimmy, Angelo and Mr. Dinampo. Seizing them cannot
in any way serve your ends and can only bring down condemnation on your heads.

We call on authorities to exert all efforts to ensure the safe return of the
journalists and their host. We are also urging for sobriety among our colleagues in the media in reporting about the incident so as not to aggravate the situation and endanger Drilon and her companions.

We are only too aware of the risks journalists go through in our work. Too many
journalists are sent into dangerous coverage situations without adequate
preparations and safety measures. Many silently bear the scars and traumas of
their coverage, with hardly any support from those who profit from their toil.
It is time Philippine media owners soberly assess the situation and take steps
to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues oftentimes caught in the
line of fire just to get the news out.

To the families of Ces, Jimmy, Angelo, and Mr. Dimampo, we are one with you in
praying for their safe return. #


Reference:
Jose Torres Jr., Chairperson
Rowena Paraan, Secretary General

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This blogger's statement:

Dear God,

Please deliver Ces Drilon and company from evil.