Campus journalists concerned over fate of ABS-CBN TV crew

MANILA, Philippines - Campus journalists on Tuesday expressed concern over the "disappearance" of broadcast journalist Cecilla Victoria "Ces" Oreña-Drilon and her crew in Sulu province. In a press statement, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) said they join other journalists and media workers in calling on authorities to ensure the safety of the three ABS-CBN journalists. In a statement released earlier in the day, ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. confirmed that Drilon and cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion and driver Angelo Valderama were missing in Sulu. Authorities and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), however, suspected that Drilon's group was seized allegedly by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the area. "We are greatly concerned with this news and pray for the wellbeing of our fellow journalists," said CEGP national president Vijae Alquisola. The group added: "We also appeal to authorities to do everything in their means to ensure their safety. ABS-CBN said all efforts are underway to find the three and bring them home. "Until we learn more details, ABS-CBN News requests other media to report on this matter with utmost consideration for the safety of our news team," the television network said. Earlier, the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the reported abduction of the three journalists in Sulu on Sunday. "We are deeply concerned for the safety of these three journalists," Bob Dietz, CPJ’s Asia program coordinator, said. "It is great cause for concern that this volatile southern region of the Philippines remains insecure for the press, and we call on local authorities to work diligently to secure their safe and swift release," he added. - GMANews.TV