Kidnappers extend talks for captives release

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(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-06-17 14:53

MANILA -- The kidnappers of two journalists and one professor have given an indefinite extension on talks for the captives' release, the employer of the journalists said on Tuesday noon.

The kidnappers have agreed to continue the negotiations for the release of TV reporter Ces Drilon and her cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion, the Philippine TV network ABS-CBN said, citing a source close to the talks.

Drilon and two of her cameramen with the ABS-CBN Corporation and a university professor were kidnapped by alleged members of the violent militant group Abu Sayyaf on June 8 in a township of the Sulu province. One of the cameramen has been released safe.

The abductors have also promised not to harm their captives, said Jun Isnaji, son of negotiator and local town mayor Alvarez Isnaji.

The kidnappers have earlier said that they are giving the families of the victims until Tuesday noon to deliver a ransom of 15 million peso (US$337,079).

The government on Monday approved a recommendation to put up an award of 500,000 pesos (US$11,236) for information leading to the arrest of each of the alleged kidnappers, identified by the police as Sulayman Patta alias Amah Ma'as and Abu Haris and Walid alias Tuan Wals. Other kidnappers have not been named.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN refuted allegations that it is abandoning the rescue operation but insisted that the company will not violate its "no ransom policy."

"We are saddened and troubled by accusations that ABS-CBN has abandoned Ces and Jimmy," the network said earlier in a statement. "ABS-CBN is doing everything it can to help them and their families through this harrowing ordeal."

The young Isnaji said the kidnappers had threatened to behead the victims.

However, they had changed their minds and promised not to hurt Drilon, Encarnacion and Mindanao peace advocate Professor Octavio Dinampo, who served as guide to Drilon's news crew in Sulu, the young Isnaji said.

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 Orena said over local radio.

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."