After nine days in captivity by a rebel group in Sulu, broadcast journalist Ces Drilon, her camera man Jimmy Encarnacion and guide, MSU professor Octavio Dinampo were released to government negotiators 11 PM last night. Indanan Sulu Mayor Alvarez Isnaji immediately took the hostages to his home in Brgy. Tindangan, where they awaited the arrival of military escorts that took them to CampBautista.

Ces, who was driven in a white pick-up with Jimmy and Prof. Dinampo to the military base, became teary eyed upon seeing colleagues from the ABS-CBN team. Although tired from the harrowing ordeal, Ces was able to give a short message for those who prayed for their group’s freedom. “I want to thank everybody. Words are not enough to thank those who prayed for Professor, Jimmy, Angel and myself.”

Though it is still not clear what triggered the hostages’ release, Ces, Jimmy and Prof. Dinampo were taken to the La Vista del Mar Resort in ZamboangaCity for medical check-ups, a military debriefing and a reunion with their families before flying back to Manila.