No military operation in Sulu over Mideast reporter, crew–Gov. Tan

MANILA, Philippines—Sulu Governor Sakur Tan on Friday dispelled public fears that a military operation was in the offing following the disappearance of veteran Middle East TV reporter Baker Abdulla Atyani and his two Manila-based crew.

“Our countrymen are worried that there will soon be a military operation. We have to remember, he and his crew went with his contacts voluntarily,” Tan said in an interview over Radyo Inquirer 990.

Tan said Atyani did not inform him or the Provincial Information Office of his itinerary in Mindanao.

“He only told me that they will do a documentary on the development projects in Mindanao,” Tan said.