Senator Robin Padilla has disclosed a startling detail from the 2000 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) hostage crisis in Basilan, revealing that one of the militants developed feelings for journalist Susan Enriquez and expressed a desire to marry her.
During a recent episode of “Kay Susan Tayo! Vlogs,” Padilla and Enriquez revisited the traumatic events when they were held captive by the ASG, which was also kidnapping students and teachers in the area at the time.
Enriquez had been assigned to cover Padilla, who was attempting to negotiate with the militant group. She recalled expecting him to enter and leave ASG territory in Basilan on the same day, but the situation took a dangerous turn.
“This is a chapter in Philippine history that should not be forgotten,” Padilla stated, reflecting on the grim period. “It began painfully. When we spoke with them, they had many grievances—they felt unheard and that Muslim territory had been invaded.”
Padilla explained he went to the area believing the hostages would be released following government talks. Instead, the ASG made new demands.
“We went in good faith. It turned out they had a request for the government. When we arrived, they were asking for rice—do you remember? I said, ‘What rice?’ ‘They promised us rice and canned goods,’” the senator recalled, noting he was still an actor at the time.
ASG leader Abu Sabaya reportedly demanded 200 sacks of rice from the government. The group later declared that Padilla and Enriquez would not be allowed to leave unless their demand was met.
“They said, ‘Until the rice and canned goods arrive, you cannot leave.’ That shocked us,” Padilla said.
Enriquez and other journalists, including Noli De Castro, were confined to a hut. Padilla and Enriquez waited two days for the government to deliver the rice.
During the captivity, Padilla noticed one of the militants taking a particular interest in Enriquez.
“We were eating together—noodles, sardines, soy sauce. That was our food. It seemed like he was courting you; that reached me. I spoke to the ASG and said, ‘Don’t do that, you’re scaring her. Have pity on Susan,’” Padilla recounted.
Enriquez remembered being terrified. “I was crying,” she said. “Senator Padilla knew everything because he was directly speaking with the leaders.”
She also recalled the ASG showing Padilla videos of their violent acts.
“I told Janjalani, ‘Let’s not show that, it’s too morbid.’ They were displaying war scenes and beheadings. ‘If we want to win their hearts and make them believe in your cause, don’t show that,’” Padilla said.
Enriquez shared her fears during the ordeal. “What was running through my mind? Of course, I didn’t tell anyone. I’m sure you saw me crying. ‘Will I see my family again?’ Because it felt like our lives at that time…” she trailed off.
“Were gone. Even you had a price on your head,” Padilla interjected, as he began negotiating for the safety of the media personnel.
Enriquez overheard the militants discussing her. “I kept hearing, ‘Where is that small, fair-skinned woman?’ Even if they didn’t say anything, if they’re looking for you, you’d be scared,” she said.
She remembered Padilla’s constant concern. “Senator would always call out, ‘Ma’am, ma’am, are you okay?’ ‘Ma’am, did anyone say anything to you?’ ‘Did they threaten you?’ ‘Are you missing your child?’ I said, ‘Yes, I miss my child,’” Enriquez recounted.
Padilla also took steps to protect her. “One night, I stayed outside her hut for about an hour or two because it was risky—she might be taken advantage of,” he admitted.
Enriquez added, “I didn’t leave the hut anymore. I just stayed inside, listening, waiting to see what would happen. He was the only one I could see, the only one who could plead for me if anyone had bad intentions.”
Padilla revealed the militant’s specific intention. “They even told me that he liked you and wanted to marry you. They said, ‘Only he [Padilla] can leave.’ I said, ‘That’s not possible… I won’t leave without the person I brought. How will the government trust me if you want me to negotiate with them?’”
The crisis eventually led to negotiations between the ASG and the government, resulting in their release.