Duterte's Presidential Spokesman was once a kidnap victim he helped to be freed

Ernesto Abella is the newly "designated presidential spokesman"of the Duterte administration. But did you know that he was once a KIDNAP VICTIM?

He narrated that in 1996, he was kidnapped by ethnic bandits while looking for a piece of property in Monteritz, Davao City. His companions then sought the help of then-Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who asked help from some Moro National Liberation Front leaders to help secure Abella's freedom.

In 24 hours, Abella was once again a free man.

Despite what happened two decades ago, Abella says he considers Duterte more of a good acquaintance than a friend. Now, Duterte has appointed him as the new presidential spokesman – alongside Atty. Salvador Panelo.

As a spokesman, Abella says his job is to act as conduit between himself and the people through the media. He says he wants the Office of the Spokesman to articulate the true intention of the President as clearly as possible.

Abella is an educator, social entrepreneur, and a former pastor.