Dinampo: Guide betrayed us

MANILA, Philippines - Freed Mindanao professor Octavio Dinampo on Friday expressed belief that his and the ABS-CBN news team abduction had been planned by their kidnappers and that a person who acted as their guide was the one who betrayed the group. QTV's Balitanghali said in a taped interview, Dinampo said the abduction appeared to be planned and said admitted that he felt "something was wrong" when their guide Jumail "Maming" Biao left them in the hand of armed men who met them while on the way to the supposed meeting place with Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron. Dinampo recalled that he spoke with Sahiron last February to tackle broadcast journalist Victoria Cecilla "Ces" Drilon's request for an interview and a possible peace talks with Sahiron's group. Dinampo said at that time, Sahiron turned down the proposed peace talks as his group does not see the government's sincerity in pursuing it but approved the request for interview in June. Dinampo said with the help of Biao, he and Drilon's group went to the place where they would meet Sahiron. Dinampo admitted that when he went with the group, he was unaware where and when they would be meeting Sahiron. The professor said he put all his trust to Biao who was to guide them to the meeeting. Dinampo said that while they were walking to the supposed meeting placed, three men emerged and walked with them. Five more men joined them while they continued their trek. After an hour, the group stopped and Biao told them that Sahiron wanted to see him first before meeting with Drilon's group. Dinampo said Biao left and they never saw him again. It was at this point that the professor sensed that something was wrong. "Nagsabi na ako na to expect for the worst scenario ( i told myself to expect for the worst scenario)," Dinampo said. He said they continued walking until they reached an abandoned house where the group spent the night. Dinampo said before the dawn, a certain Commander arrived and confirmed that the group was being hostaged in exchanged for money. Dinampo also narrated the plan of their abductors in beheading them. "Pupugutan si (ABS-CBN driver) Angel(o Valderama) ng ulo, with (cameraman) Jimmy (Encarnacion) taking the video. Then next, Jimmy naman ang pupugutan, Ces is going to take the video. That is a horrible scene. And then maybe after that Ces, I will take the video (ABS-CBN driver Angelo Valderama will be the first to be beheaded, with cameraman Jimmy Encarnacion taking the video. Next would be Jimmy with Ces taking the video. That is a horrible scene. And then maybe after that Ces and I will be taking the video)," Dinampo said. - Amita Legaspi, GMANews.TV