The military and the police confirmed that television reporter Arlene de la Cruz, has been missing since January 19, after venturing into the jungle hideout of Abu Sayyaf rebels in Basilan island, southern Philippines.

News of her alleged disappearance had been spreading for the past days. "We also received an unofficial report about this, but we are still confirming her alleged disappearance," said a police official, who asked not to be named.

"I heard about this news, but there was no official confirmation or reports about this," southern command chief Lt. Gen. Roy Cimatu said.

Sources said the military called for a "quiet investigation," adding that authorities are waiting for her parents and close family members, including her office, Net 25, to complain that she has been missing before a full-blown rescue operation is launched in Jolo.

Sources said Dela Cruz was seized by a still unknown rebel group in central Basilan, after she reportedly went to an Abu Sayyaf hideout to interview two U.S. missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham who were held by the rebels since May last year.

It is a standard procedure that reporters must pass through several layers before they reach their target for interview. "It's possible that one of that groups decided to keep her for a while," said a source. Last month, de la Cruz secretly went to the rebel's camp in Basilan where she succeeded in interviewing the two U.S. hostages.