Suspect in Ces kidnap falls, military sources say

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Military operatives captured one of the Abu Sayyaf bandits behind the kidnapping of ABS-CBN broadcast journalist Ces Drilon and her crew in Sulu, a ranking intelligence official revealed here yesterday.

The official said Abu Kudama was arrested by Marine intelligence agents last Friday.

Kudama was arrested in possession of the wallet of Jimmy Encarnacion, one of the cameramen of Drilon abducted last June 8.

Sources revealed Kudama was identified from the video footage shot by the two ABS-CBN cameramen during their captivity with Drilon.

Another official said Drilon was kept informed of the developments that led to the arrest of Kudama.

“Drilon was already informed of the arrest,” another source revealed.

The source disclosed “technical information” helped the Marines close in on the suspect but declined to elaborate, citing operational security.

Drilon, her cameramen Encarnacion and Angelo Valderama, and university professor Octavio Dinampo were heading to a secret meeting with a senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf when they were seized on June 8. Valderama was freed earlier after ransom was paid.

Authorities have charged hostage negotiator Indanan, Sulu Mayor Alvarez Isnaji and his son Haider of complicity with the Abu Sayyaf in the kidnapping of Drilon and her crew. – Roel Pareño