Indonesians Held Hostage In Philippines Are In Good Condition: Minister

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Eight Indonesian nationals still being held hostage in the Philippines are believed to be in good condition, according to Defense Minister Retired General Ryamizard Ryacudu.

"In fact, two of them have managed to escape. This means they are in good condition. Otherwise, they would not have been able to escape," Ryacudu stated at his office here on Thursday.

The defense minister said although they are believed to be in good condition, the Indonesian government will continue to pursue several diplomatic channels with its Philippine counterpart to secure the release of the eight remaining hostages.

Until August 2016, some 24 Indonesian nationals were captured by the Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines.

Ryacudu said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has given an ultimatum to the members of the Abu Sayyaf separatist group, urging them to surrender immediately.  
    
"President Duterte is giving time to the Abu Sayyaf rebel group to surrender. The president said if they surrender, nothing will happen to them, but if not, they will be wiped out," the defense minister noted.

Ryacudu stated that more than 100 members of the Abu Sayyaf group were killed in an all-out military operation, and 37 others were arrested in injured condition. (WDY)