On the Abduction of Ces Oreña-Drilon, et al.
13 June 2008 - We condemn in the strongest terms, the abduction of broadcast journalist Ces Oreña-Drilon and her two cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, as well as Professor Octavio Dinampo, a peace advocate. We express great relief that Mr. Valderama has already been released, and we fervently pray that the three other victims will soon be safely returned to their anxious families, with whom we deeply sympathize.

In this time of crisis, we express our solidarity with all news journalists who take high risks so that we, their audience, are well informed of the dangerous world we inhabit.

We urge the local government authorities who are closest to the situation to exert their utmost efforts to expeditiously negotiate the release of Ms. Drilon, Mr. Encarnacion, and Professor Dinampo. We also appeal to the national government to redouble their efforts to resolve the decades-long peace problem in Mindanao. Until the problem is comprehensively addressed and the people of Mindanao are able to live in a climate of peace and progress, innocent lives—residents, media people, and even our soldiers—will continue to be put in harm’s way.