Palace concerned over status of missing Jordanian reporter and TV crew, but defers issue to DILG

While it said it is concerned over their safety, Malacañang has clammed up on the case of a Jordanian reporter and his two Filipino television crewmembers who went missing in Sulu, a day after Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said the three are now considered “hostages.”

 

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Sunday the Palace will let Robredo explain the circumstances that now lead them to consider Jordanian reporter Baker Atyani of Al Arabiya and his crewmen Rolando Letrero and Ramelito Vela as hostages.

 

“We will leave it to Sec. Robredo to explain ano ang naging change in circumstances. Bakit ngayon ang standing ni Ginoong Baker Atyani ay hostage, at hindi missing,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.

 

When asked if the government will hold search and rescue operations for the three, she said, “We will leave that up to DILG” and local officials.

 

But when asked if the Palace has asked Robredo to explain his sudden change in position, she said the Palace “continuously coordinate(s) with Robredo.”

 

“There are situations when we cannot be the ones to give the responses. There are certain people in government in a better position to give you that. The Palace does not respond to everything,” she added.

 

On Saturday, Robredo was quoted as saying Atyani, Letrero and Vela are now considered hostages of the bandit group Abu Sayyaf. He said the three are now being held against their will.

 

But Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said that while they continue to track the team’s whereabouts, they are not aware of any ransom demand. 

 

Even if there were ransom demanded, Valte said the government is not likely to change its no-ransom policy.

 

“The government has a no-ransom policy. Hindi tayo makikipag-bargain sa bandido para magbayad ng ransom. The no-ransom policy stands,” she said.

 

On the other hand, Valte also contested speculations the Palace is not concerned about the safety of the three, especially the two Filipino crewmembers.

 

“That’s not correct to say we’re not concerned. We are, that’s why we are closely monitoring the situation,” she said.

 

When asked if Robredo’s sudden change in position was a lapse in intelligence, Valte refused to comment, saying Robredo “is in a better position to answer that.” –KG, GMA News