MANILA, Philippines - Negotiations have reportedly reached a crucial point for the release of Al-Arabiya television Southeast Asia bureau chief Baker Atyani and his two Filipino cameramen in Sulu.
Ground sources in Sulu revealed that Atyani’s kidnappers are firm on their P50-million ransom demand for his freedom and his two Filipino cameramen.
“For now he is free to move around but is prevented from leaving by his captors, hence reports that he was monitored to be interviewing key Abu Sayyaf personalities are true,” the source said, adding that the kidnappers are now directly negotiating with Atyani’s family.
While this may be the case for Atyani, his two Filipino colleagues are not as lucky as they are heavily guarded.
The source said this is part of the bargain being asked by a Middle East-based negotiator seeking to secure Atyani’s freedom, for him to be allowed to do his job while his release is being worked out.
He added that Atyani has already completed his interviews with six foreign hostages now being held by the militant Abu Sayyaf group in Patikul and in Indanan.
It was also learned that Atyani’s kidnappers are not full-time Abu Sayyaf members but have close links with the so-called Patikul Abu Sayyaf Group, headed by the already aging Commander Radullan Sahiron.
He said the group’s leader, Tahil Sali, is a close relative of Sahiron.
“Negotiations have reached a critical level and we will not be surprised if he (Atyani) suddenly shows up in Malaysia,” the source said.
But senior security officials are still baffled about Atyani’s real intention in penetrating the lair of the terrorist group.
Police Director Manuel Barcena, chief of Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO) Western Mindanao, admitted they have no idea what was Atyani’s real purpose in going to the Abu Sayyaf camp.
“The truth is we are not allowed to talk about the matter. However, efforts continued in seeking the liberty of the victims,” Barcena said.
The Sulu provincial crisis management committee is also mum on Atyani’s case, except to say that the Jordanian journalist is a visitor of the Abu Sayyaf group.
Atyani and his team were reported missing last June 12, after they failed to return to their hotel in Jolo.
He was in the province purportedly to cover the release of one of the foreign hostages as well as to do a documentary on the Abu Sayyaf. – With Roel Pareño