Philippine govt probes disappearance of Jordanian journalist

Source:Xinhua Published: 2012-6-19 16:47:52

The Philippine government said Tuesday that it is conducting a thorough investigation into the disappearance of a Jordanian journalist in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued the statement following reports that Baker Abdulla Atyani, a Southeast Asia bureau chief of the Al-Arabiya's TV, could be connected to the rogue Abu Sayyaf group.

"The Philippine National Police is exploring all angels in the case of Atyani," Valte said when asked to confirm reports that the Jordanian journalist was a contact of the Abu Sayyaf.

"I understand that there was a report citing a source saying that Atyani is a possible conduct (of the Abu Sayyaf). But we don' t have any information to confirm that," she added.

The Philippine government confirmed that Atyani, along with his two Filipino companions, is now in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf. Authorities, however, would not say whether he is considered a hostage.

Atyani was seen going "voluntarily" with an unidentified person during the early morning of June 12. He refused to accept a local government official's offer of security escorts while conducting interviews in Sulu.

Valte said the Department of Foreign Affairs has already notified the embassy of Jordan about the disappearance of Atyani.




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