Abus free Jordanian journalist

MANILA, Philippines - A Jordanian journalist has been freed after being held captive for a year and a half by the Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao, police said yesterday.

Al Arabiya correspondent Baker Atyani was recovered by police last night in a remote village of Patikul, Sulu, where he was kidnapped in June 2012.

Chief Inspector Kris Conrad Gutierrez, Sulu police provincial command spokesman, said Atyani was chanced upon at 7:30 p.m by patrolling officers along a road in Barangay Igasan.

“He looked very tired and has lost weight,” Gutierrez said.

Atyani was taken to the Sulu Integrated Provincial Health Office for medical examination and treatment.

“The police were on routine patrol when they saw Atyani. The Abu Sayyaf may have left him as they fled to avoid being spotted by police forces,” Gutierrez said.

Atyani was held captive along with two Filipino  television crewmen Romelito Vela and Roland Letrico on June 13, 2012. He was in Sulu to interview members of the Abu Sayyaf but was detained.

The Filipino crewmen were freed last February after a reported payment of ransom.