The 2008 Maimbung kidnappings were a terrorist incident in the Philippines in June 2008, where ABS-CBN journalist Ces Drilon and news cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderrama were abducted in Sulu by al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants.
[1][2] The militants were led by Albader Parad, an Abu Sayyaf leader and Gapur Jundain, former member of the Moro National Liberation Front.
Negotiator Isnaji Alvarez stated that the abductors gave Drilon's family until June 17 to pay US$1.12 million, but a deadline for the other two hostages was unclear.
[11] Al Jazeera's reporter, Veronica Pedrosa, stated "a military offensive near the kidnappers' camp had apparently helped free the hostages".
Raul M. Gonzalez said "Isnaji was a highly respected politician in Jolo who plans to run for governor of the Muslim autonomous region, which includes the island, in August.
[18] Razon Jr. showed pictures of Isnaji, his son, Haider, and Sulu Vice-Governor Lady Ann Sahidulla gathered around the ₱5 million ransom, with Senior Superintendent Willy Quidato.
Meanwhile, Dinampo and Sulu provincial police director Senior Superintendent Julasirim Kasim said that guide Juamil "Mameng" Biyaw betrayed the ABS-CBN team.
[19] The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) filed the complaint to the Department of Justice on June 20, against Isnaji, his son Haider, and 14 Abu Sayyaf members, for the kidnapping.
Razon also affirmed an inquiry into a supposed second ransom concerning 2 duffel bags flown into Sulu via a South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) flight hours before the hostages' release.
[24] On July 5, 2008, Drilon was imposed with a 3-month suspension as news anchor of Bandila and as senior correspondent by ABS-CBN, for disobeying orders dissuading her from going to Sulu.