Jordanian journalist, 2 Filipino ‘hostages’ seen in Sulu rebel camps

Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani. AP

MANILA, Philippines—Jordanian journalist Baker Abdulla Atyani and two Filipino television crew members who were allegedly abducted by the Abu Sayyaf were seen roaming around rebel camps in Sulu, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Tuesday.

“May mga sightings na gumagala sila (They have been sighted roaming around) from one camp to another… Abu Sayyaf to Moro National Liberation Front camps,” he said, citing field reports he had received from Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Noel Coballes.

“With that we can easily deduce na ’di sila bihag (that they are not hostages),” he added.

Gazmin said, however, that the military is on standby to move any time should the military be asked to rescue them.

“We know where they are. Pag sinabing (If we’re ordered to) rescue we will do our part,” he said.

Gazmin said the order to rescue Atyani and his team will be given by the crisis management committee headed by Governor Sakur Tan.