Baker Atyani of Dubai-based Al Arabiya network only wanted to interview Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan and to "roam around" Jolo before returning to Zamboanga City either on June 12 or 13 for an interview with Western Mindanao Command chief Major Gen. Noel Coballes, Ustadz Abdulbaki Abubakar, Grand Mufti of Zamboanga and Palawan, said.
Nothing has been heard from the three since.
"He told me that he would only talk to the Sulu governor then he would stay in Jolo to take pictures," Abubakar said.
Atyani and his two Filipino crew members, Ramelito Vela and Rolando Letrero, have been reported missing last week after they left their hostel in Patikul early morning June 12.
Police said Atyani, the Southeast Asia bureau chief of the TV network, arrived with his crew members last June 11 to do a special report on Mindanao, including Sulu.
Abubakar, one of those interviewed by the Jordanian journalist, said that Atyani did not say he wanted to go out of Jolo or other parts of the island.
Abubakar said Atyani could just be "doing some stories that's why he has not returned yet."
Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the Sulu government has already created a crisis management committee and this will be the only authorized body to speak on the matter.
The military also could not confirm reports that the three journalists were being held by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu.
The ASG is reportedly 50-60 member strong in the Mindanao island, led by Radullan Sahiron.
In Manila, Sr. Supt. Generoso Cerbo, spokesman of the Philippine National Police, said Atyani had earlier expressed interest in meeting Yasser Igasan, who according to intelligence reports is the spiritual adviser of the Abu Sayyaf Group.
Cerbo, quoting Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, said the journalist was"discouraged" by the governor to pursue his plan of interviewing ASG personalities and should Atyani insist on going, he should be given security. Atyani ignored the governor's requests.
"Based on findings of our investigators, there was no indication that he was forcibly abducted," Cerbo said. Atyani left his hotel room early morning June 12 on board a multi-cab to an unknown location.
"Seemingly based on indications, it appears he pursued his plan to meet personalities of the Abu Sayyaf Group. We all know he has past experiences of interviewing such underground personalities," Cerbo said.
Police on the ground are still gathering information that could lead to the location of the missing TV crew.source: interaksyon.com
