ABS-CBN journalists Drilon and Encarnacion, Mindanao professor released

ABS-CBN senior correspondent Ces Oreña Drilon and cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion were released by their abductors in Sulu province Tuesday night.
Drilon and Encarnacion were held for nine days by an armed group believed to be Abu Sayyaf bandits in the hinterlands of Sulu island. Radio dzMM reported that the three are now with the police.

Official statement from ABS-CBN on release of Ces, et al:
Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo are finally all free. We cannot wait to bring them home to their families and to ABS- CBN. We are thankful that our prayers have been answered and our efforts rewarded.
We thank everyone who helped secure the release of Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo. We received a great outpouring of support from people all over the world who care for freedom. Their words of comfort and prayers guided and strengthened us throughout this ordeal.
There are people who gave us timely and valuable advice as we grappled with ways to secure the release of Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo. They wish to remain anonymous, but they know how eternally grateful we are to all of them.
Above all, the release of Ces, Jimmy, and Angelo could not have been possible without the cooperation of the people of Sulu and their local government. We thank them and share their hope for enduring peace in Mindanao.