The Philippine government maintained on Friday that it is not yet considering a Jordanian journalist as hostage of the rogue Abu Sayyaf group, contrary to the pronouncement made by the Jordanian government.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigal Valte said that as far as Manila is concerned, Baker Abdulla Atyani, Southeast Asia bureau chief of the Al Arabiya TV network, went "voluntarily" to the Abu Sayyaf lair in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.

"There seems to be no indication to the contrary. There has been no ransom that has been reported or that has come to light. From where we stand, the situation remains the same," said Valte.

Jordan through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Sabah Rafei had already issued a statement confirming that Atyani was abducted.

She said efforts are being made to ensure the safe release of Atyani.