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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