Indonesia ‘Won’t Tolerate’ Latest Kidnapping of Boat Crew in Philippines

Jakarta, 19 Ramadan 1437/24 June 2016 (MINA) – Indonesia says the Philippines must do more to tackle extremists operating from its southern islands, after another seven Indonesians were kidnapped by militants in the Sulu Sea.

The crew of a tugboat and barge were attacked on June 20 but Indonesia has only now revealed the details.

It is likely that the militants are linked to the Abu Sayyaf group, who kidnapped 14 Indonesian boat crew in two separate incidents earlier this year in the same area, abc.net.au reported.

It is believed those crew members were released after a ransom was paid.

Abu Sayyaf is an Islamist extremist group that funds its activities by kidnapping foreigners for ransom.

This year the group has executed two Canadians who were kidnapped last September.

Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said she “condemns the repeated kidnappings of Indonesian citizens by armed groups in the southern Philippines”.

“This third incident cannot be tolerated,” she said.

“The Government will do anything possible to rescue the hostages.

“The Indonesian Government ask the Philippines Government to ensure the safety in the waters of the southern Philippines so that the economy in the region will not be disturbed.” (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)