Ces Drilon kidnapping, A Publicity Stunt By The ASG?

Written on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 3:12 pm | by Patricio Mangubat

ABS-CBN anchor Ces Drilon and her crew went missing last Saturday, June 7. Reports say they were abducted by armed men believed to be Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members somewhere in Kulasi area, a known ASG territory. Other reports indicate a possible ransom demand already given to ABS-CBN.

As an avid observer on Mindanao affairs, having covered the Sipadan hostage crisis and other incidents in the past, this incident means three (3) things: First, the abduction was a publicity stunt by the ASG to again gain media mileage. Second, the reason maybe to announce something big related to the impending war in Mindanao. And third, it could be that Drilon was made as an unwilling pawn to further promote the propaganda that the ASG still exists in that part of the world.

Remember that prior to Drilon’s kidnapping, the ASG has kidnapped a Chinoy businessman and some locals there. It was’nt covered by the media to an extent that we are covering this latest caper. The news that a celebrated media personality has been kidnapped is certain to be covered by other news agencies around the globe.

I believe that within the next few days, Ces and her crew will be released by the ASG. They will be able to present their interviews on the terrorist group.

What is disturbing though is if Ces was kidnapped by pseudo members of the ASG. There are persistent reports indicating that the military created their own ASG and if Jundain was involved in the kidnapping, this may probably be the case. Jundain was a former MNLF integree who recently joined the group. As a reporter, I met Jundain on several occasions when we were covering the Sipadan hostage crisis. At that time, Jundain served as a link between the military and the ASG.

If Pader and Jundain did, indeed, led the group who abducted Ces, then, there’s a possibility that she ‘ll be used by military agents posing as ASG members. Based on my studies on the ASG, it has already morphed into a highly religious jihadist group after a series of indoctrination by the Jemaah Islamiyah. They already renounced kidnapping as a mode of struggle. Probably, the reason of the kidnapping is more than money.

Ces is the third local journalist kidnapped by the ASG, the first being another ABS-CBN crew who were ransomed for a few millions during the Sipadan crisis and Inquirer correspondent Arlyn dela Cruz. Noli de Castro and his group of media personalities were nearly held hostage by the ASG when they visited the camp before.

It is interesting though to learn more about the ASG of today, what with the death of their leader Khadaffy Janjalani and other ASG luminaries. Ces could provide an indepth look into the existing organization after a bitter power struggle between the JI-trained leadership and the local bandit leaders. It is also interesting to know the thoughts of the current leadership and their stand on the peace process and the possible outbreak of hostilities in Sulu.

However, I would like to enjoin our Moro brothers there in Sulu to exercise all possible means to secure the safety of Ces Drilon and her crew. Those who are members of the ASG, we say, don’t do something foolish. It will not help your cause if you harm Ces and her crew. Do not harm the messenger.

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About The Author: Patricio Mangubat is a pseudonym. It means "country fight". Yet, the one behind this name is real. He can be briefly described as a long-time activist as well as a communication strategist. He blogs at The New Philippine Revolution.

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17 Responses to “Ces Drilon kidnapping, A Publicity Stunt By The ASG?”

benign0 on June 10th, 2008 5:09 pm

Ces could provide an indepth look into the existing organization after a bitter power struggle between the JI-trained leadership and the local bandit leaders

… which raises the possibility of a deal between Ces Drilon and the ASG.

You kidnap me and get a bit of publicity, and I get an inside look into the organisation and a scoop for my employer.

Win-win.
Ding Gagelonia on June 10th, 2008 8:02 pm

If these events in Sulu were taking place 20 years ago, and I did not know any better, I would probably entertain the thought, sitting from a comfortable armchair that the life-threatening situation the SABS-CBN news crew, led by Ces Drilon, is facing now could be a ‘conspiratorial’ publicity stunt.

But I personally know Ces, having been her news producer in her earliest days in broadcast journalism, and knowing fully well the integrity and passion journalists like her have for their craft that, at the risk of being baited into a senseless ‘patalinuhan debate’ with certain bloggers, I can say for certainty that those espousing such irresponsible ‘opinions’ do not know what they are talking about.:(

This writer also personally knows the credentials and highest ethical standards of the batch of journalists running ABS-CBN NEWS.

They are beyond reproach.

Wild imaginings from anyone on this sensitive story have no place in any media platform.

Let’s us not be nonchalant and ‘cute’.

Lives are in the balance.

The correct analysis comes from Patricio Mangubat. The Abu Sayyaf is flapping its demonic wings for publicity, but mor specifically to raise funds.

Nothing more. Not for fundamentalist Islamic ideals nor any other noble cause.

Just money for the altar of terror and extremist financial requirements.
Pinoy Ambisyoso - TV Reporter Ces Drilon Was Kidnapped in Sulu on June 10th, 2008 8:08 pm

[…] News : Ces Drilon kidnapping, A Publicity Stunt By The ASG? ABS-CBN’s Drilon kidnapped by ASG; P10M demanded Abu Sayyaf kidnaps Ces Drilon, 3 others […]
Patricio Mangubat on June 10th, 2008 10:17 pm

We are not saying that this is a publicity stunt with Ces as a part of it. As we wrote, Ces was an unwilling victim. She’s was made a pawn.
Blackout « smoke on June 11th, 2008 12:23 am

[…] why abs-cbn felt it necessary to ask for an embargo - and of course I hope Ces is okay (I’m optimistic, in fact, that she will be ok); I am merely commenting on the apparent double standard in effect. […]
benign0 on June 11th, 2008 1:35 am

This writer also personally knows the credentials and highest ethical standards of the batch of journalists running ABS-CBN NEWS.

They are beyond reproach.

Dude, let’s not be too quick to put haloes and crowns of infallibility on ABS-CBN News.

NOBODY no Filipino, and certainly no Filipino for-profit corporation is “beyond reproach”.

If form alone is made a criteria, they run just about the most GROTESQUE news program on the planet - Bandila. That program is aired alongside other news programs from all over the world over a free-to-air channel here. Needless to say, Bandila sticks out. Bells-and-whistles for every scene and graphic change/movement and MTV-style news presentation (”Ale, natalsikan ng mantika! Pataaaaaayyyy!!!”). It’s like the jeepney thing all over again, this time running alongside the TV equivalent of buses and trains.

They also go by this ridiculous mantra: “Balitang bumabandila”. It is used when calling out field reports: “Aso kinatay ng tambay, Willie Cheng BUMABANDILA mula sa Tondo, Willie…”.

How much of this form alone speaks lots about how they regard their otherwise honourable craft?

Bandila is the global face of Pinoy news reporting. It may be high time it takes in a few tips from its more sober and restrained peers from other countries.
Ding G. Gagelonia on June 11th, 2008 5:03 am

No debate about how form take precedence to substance in Philippine newscasts, given the dominant market share of the majors. But let us not confuse the individuals from the corporations and their news platforms.

Pat, to clarify, I know who were not referring to Ces being part or being ‘in on the publicity stunt’.

Let me reiterate, Philippine mainstream news media need to do a lot of house cleaning, and segments are aware of that need.

This is why in quite many newsrooms there are now independent ombudsmen and readers’ ‘advocates’.

The fourth estate, like many of our imperfect social institutions, is in ferment.

I am simply advocating responsible blogging with the healthy dose of nationalist Filipino perspective that I think Filpino Voices can be the
emblematic platform. Nuff said
Makuletchi on June 11th, 2008 8:44 am

This is insane.. there is a news blackout for this abs-cbn reporter abduction. Philippine system really sucks.. it’s being controled by these powerful people… so meaning all news can be filtered by which ever news company as long they request it with other broadcasting company…

media only works for self interest and not for the real reasons.. but if it’s against the goverment.. go for it.. feed the stupid filipino people what they want.. stupid filipino will believe or accept what ever the media feeds them…

the biggest news as of now, ‘da boy’ is dead… huhuhu… we miss da boy..

and they are talking about media freedom!!!??? pakdatsyet!!!
Juanito de Sabitsana on June 11th, 2008 10:51 am

Ces Drilon is really one proud bitch.

She is so “mayabang” and thinks she can get away with everything in her drive to get a scoop for her master ABS-CBN.

She thinks she is above the law and an example of this is when she raised here arms in idiotic defiance upon the SOP detention of journalists after the Trillanes mutiny.

She is very proud and now, where can her “yabang” help now in the Abu Sayaff camp.

She is very critical of the military, now maybe if the military were less patient, they would probably try to bungle up the operation to make sure that our number 1 critic were dead.

However, they won’t do that. Ces drilon after her freedom should now be more considerate in criticizing the government she is liberally lambasting.

That’s all
Evaristo Guanzon on June 11th, 2008 10:54 am

Well said Mr. Sabitsana, Ces Drilon is so proud and she thinks so lowly of the government that she refused to accept two colonels as escort.

She thought that as a journalist for the most “powerful” media network which is ABS-CBN, the Abu Sayaff will treat her better and give her the benefit of a scoop.

But no, I’m sorry Ces…eat your pride, call up the MArines.
sergs on June 11th, 2008 9:30 pm

Sana lang po kung ano man ang tunay na istorya sa likod ng pangyayaring ito ay maging ligtas silang tatlo…let’s not focus only on ces’ freedom and safety but also for the rest of her team….sana lang din hindi sya makatanggap ng “masamang panghuhusga” sa katulad nyang reporter…naaalala ko at nasaktan ako noong makidnap si arlyn dela cruz—diba isang patpatin at mayabang na reporter ng abs-cbn ang humusga sa kanya…sana wag natin syang husgahan—kung ipauubaya ng AMA sana marinig natin ang kanyang “istorya”…
Patricio Mangubat on June 12th, 2008 8:39 am

Though I respect the views of Evaristo and Juanito, I appeal for restraint. Whatever the actions of Ces Drilon in the past does’nt make her less human right now.

Ding is right–we should rein in our views and try to help in whatever capacity we can as dutiful citizens of this country. Do what is right–support the call for the obliteration of the Abu Sayyaf Group and all other terrorist organisations in this country.
benign0 on June 12th, 2008 9:09 am

Do what is right–support the call for the obliteration of the Abu Sayyaf Group and all other terrorist organisations in this country

… and more importantly to set the stage for sustainable results in the LONG RUN, understand the root causes that exist at the very fabric of our society that accounts for the existence of these elements and the unsavory and unproductive behaviours and attitudes they propagate.
roni on June 18th, 2008 2:55 am

ASG and other rebel groups in mindanao are kidnappers/terrorist for hire.
You can call their terorist company to ask for their services.

(You kidnap me and get a bit of publicity, and I get an inside look into the organisation and a scoop for my employer.)
———-
even politicians hire their services para private army.
————–

opposition leaders,businessmen,several military officials,some crooks from civil society and media people.(mga anti-gov) hire the services of lawless elements to humilate the present Arroyo regime.
jonas on June 19th, 2008 2:31 am

I don’t think the ASG was in it for publicity. I’m sure they’re in it for the money. The publicity is inseparable in kidnap for ransom cases. I also don’t think Ces Drilon and company will resort to gimmicks and put their life on the line conniving with those criminals. That’s too low.
The Knight Writers’ Weblog on July 7th, 2008 2:59 pm

[…] http://www.filipinovoices.com/ces-drilon-kidnapping-a-publicity-stunt-by-the-asg […]
KIDNAPPING and NEWS EMBARGO « The Knight Writers’ Weblog on August 13th, 2008 6:35 pm

[…] left and right. FilipinoVoices.com, an on-line Filipino community blog, labeled it as a mere “publicity stunt” by the notorious insurgents. The Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), <!– […]