Government to check conflicting info on missing journalist

MALACANANG said Saturday that it will verify the conflicting information on the reported negotiation being conducted by the television network of the missing Jordanian journalist with the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu province.

In a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo will verify the report that Al Arabiya television network started negotiating with the local bandits for the release of Jordanian journalist Baker Abdulla Atyani and his two Filipino crew.

"There seems to be some conflict when it comes to that particular point, if there's already a negotiation. I saw a report last night that there were text messages in Sulu where there are conflicting information. So perhaps until that is verified, we will not make anymore comments," she said.

Government officials could not confirm yet whether Atyani and his two Filipino staff, Rolando Letrero and Ramelito Vela, were already hostages of the Abu Sayyaf.

The three were reported missing since June 12 and they reportedly voluntarily entered the lair of the Abu Sayyaf to conduct a documentary. (SDR/Sunnex)