Press Release
June 18, 2008

STATEMENT OF SENATOR MAR ROXAS ON THE RELEASE OF BROA DC ASTE RS CES DRILON, JIMMY EN CARN ACION, ANGEL VALDERAMA AND PEACE ADVOCATE OCTAVIO DINAMPO FROM THEIR CAPTORS

"We are very happy and relieved that TV journalist Ces Drilon, cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angel Valderama as well as peace advocate Prof. Octavio Dinampo, are now safe and free from the clutches of their abductors."

"They have been through a harrowing experience from which they would need more time and privacy to recover from. Meanwhile, this incident must and should not be condoned. Our law enforcers must work closely with local officials to stamp out terrorism and banditry in Mindanao and bring its perpetrators before the bar of justice."

"This incident is but a symptom of a deep and systemic problem: decades of poverty and armed conflict in the South exacerbated by government's neglect. It is imperative that the executive branch start mobilizing its resources to help the people of Mindanao cope with rising prices, growing poverty, and widespread unemployment. An effective economic relief package for poor communities in conflict-areas in Mindanao would deter the build-up of terrorist forces in the region."

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