Part One: The Arlyn dela Cruz kidnapping

Seven years ago, a young journalist by the name of Arlyn de la Cruz was kidnapped by rogue elements of the military in the hinderlands of Jolo, Sulu. Arlyn was there to cover a story. She was snatched by some para-military men, taken into custody, interrogated and made a prisoner for so many days. Through the intercession of then Senator Loren Legarda, Arlyn was released by her captors.

Yet, what has not been told is how Arlyn de la Cruz (now a mother of two young kids) managed to survive that ordeal. Who helped Legarda and Arlyn? Who initiated the negotiations? Was there ransom paid? These and more unanswered questions were fortunately taken up in today's commemoration of Arlyn's ordeal many years ago.

I was fortunate to be part of this interview held at the Manila Polo Club today. Here is the first part of the interview. I'll be releasing these interviews in a series.

IN this movie, Loren Legarda narrates the circumstances behind the kidnapping and narrates, in brief, how she managed to release Arlyn from her captors.

By the way, there was a Colonel in the military who took a very active part in the release of Arlyn. For security purposes, the name of this Colonel will not be revealed here. (For further info, you can check this on YouTube also. I've recently opened a YouTube channel account. Starting today, I'll be working on uploading videos on YouTube)

** Who is Arlyn dela Cruz? Arlyn dela Cruz is a noted journalist in the Philippines. If my memory serves me right, she started as a reporter over at ABC Channel 5 before being hired by ABS-CBN Channel 2. Right now, she writes for the Philippine Daily Inquirer as a correspondent and anchors the news and public affairs shows over at NET 25. She is considered an expert in Mindanao affairs, having covered the region since the 1990's.