Police clueless on Jordanian journalist’s fate

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Police remain clueless on the fate of the Jordanian journalist who was kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits last year.

 There was still no sighting or information on the location of Baker Abdullah Atyani, according to Chief Superintendent Noel de los Reyes, police director for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Atyani, bureau chief of the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya news channel, was taken along with Filipino crew members Ramelity Vela and Roland Letrero on June 13, 2012.

Vela and Letrero were released in the mountains of Patikul town two weeks ago.

Unconfirmed reports said the Jordanian was handed over to another group after ransom money changed hands.

 De los Reyes said police forces in Sulu have no information yet on the location of Atyani.

He said leaders of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) did not give any information on the possible whereabouts of the Jordanian journalist.

MNLF commander Habier Malik, in a recent statement, said they will continue the search for Atyani, whom they believe is still being kept in Sulu.

“A Muslim brother who came here expects to be protected by his Muslim brothers,” Malik said.