While authorities may consider members of  a television team that went missing in Sulu since last week as hostages of the Abu Sayyaf, police have no information yet on whether ransom was a motive for their abduction.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said, "Pinaghahanap pa rin natin sila. Wala naman ransom note so parang napakahirap sabihin they were kidnapped for ransom,” Bartolome said in an interview on dzBB radio.

He also said authorities have monitored “movements” of the television team but declined to elaborate, saying these are “operational matters.”

Still missing are Jordanian reporter Baker Atyani of Al Arabiya and his Filipino crew Rolando Letrero and Ramelito Vela.

“We have monitored some movements but I cannot elaborate on this," Bartolome said.

On Saturday, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said the three are being held against their will and are considered hostages.

But Bartolome said that as far as the PNP is concerned, the three are “still considered missing.” — LBG, GMA News