 |
|
We
value your opinions. Please fill out the form below for comments and suggestions. |
||
June 18, 2008
Media watchdogs welcome release
of ABS-CBN crew, professor
MANILA, Philippines - Two media watchdogs welcomed on Wednesday the release of a Philippine television crew and a Mindanao professor held captive for nine days by Islamic militants in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.
In a statement, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists joined colleagues in the Philippines in welcoming the release of ABS-CBN journalist Cecilia Victoria Drilon, cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and Mindanao State University professor Octavio Dinampo.
The three were released shortly after midnight Tuesday. They were seized June 8 in Maimbung town in Sulu along with ABS-CBN driver Angelo Valderama. Valderama was released ahead on June 12.
"We join our colleagues in the Philippines in welcoming the safe return of these two journalists, who are reported to be in good health despite their ordeal. Their abduction is a terrible reminder of the dangers journalists face covering dangerous assignments in every part of the world," said Bob Dietz, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator.
For its part, the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) said the incident should serve as a reminder for all media practitioners to be very careful in carrying out daily tasks.
"We are happy about the good news. At the same time, this should serve as a wake up call for journalists to be always careful and assess the situation before plunging into dangerous coverage especially in conflict areas," said Jose Torres, NUJP chair.
At the same time, Torres challenged government authorities to adequately address the problem of kidnapping in southern Philippines.
"It's about time that the government address the problem of kidnapping in Mindanao," he said. - GMANews.TV