2 groups linked to Abu Sayyaf, MNLF holding Jordanian captive?

MANILA, Philippines - Two armed lawless groups linked to the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are now guarding Al Arabiya Southeast Asia bureau chief Baker Atyani and his two Filipino cameramen in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu, according to government security forces.

The latest information debunked earlier claims by the Sulu Provincial Crisis Management Committee (PCMC) that Atyani and the two Filipinos were not victims of kidnapping.

Ground security sources maintained that the armed group of ex-barangay captain Kalid Sali and Jairulla Dahamban is now holding Atyani and his two Filipino cameramen hostage.

On Thursday, the Sulu PCMC, through its spokesman Jainab Abdul Majid, maintained that Atyani and his group were not victims of Abu Sayyaf kidnapping since they “disappeared” last June 12.

“As far as a the PCMC is concerned, they are not being held against their will. They voluntary went to the Abu Sayyaf for an interview,” he said.

Sulu Gov. Abu Sakur Tan designated Majid as speaker on the status of Atyani.

Majid corroborated an earlier pronouncement by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin that the three men were moving freely and interviewing Abu Sayyaf and MNLF rebels in their jungle lairs.

While there might some truth to Majid’s statement, sources said the hostages are indeed allowed to move around but their movements are restricted only in a particular area.

It was learned that Atyani was in Sulu not to do a documentary on the Abu Sayyaf as reported, but to exclusively cover the release of one of the six foreign hostages now being held captive by the homegrown terrorist group.

The Abu Sayyaf is holding hostage six foreign nationals, including an Australian retired serviceman and a Dutch and Swiss birdwatchers.

There were reports that negotiations were almost complete for the Australian servicemen but Atyani’s presence in Sulu complicated matters.