Indonesian Military Ready to Assist Philippines to Handle Hostage Crisis

Jakarta, 20 Jumadil Akhir 1437/30 March 2016 (MINA) – The Indonesian Military (TNI) has expressed willingness to help the Philippines to cope with the hostage crisis on ten Indonesian crew after the Abu Sayyaf militant group hijacked an Indonesian ship if there has been a request from the Philippine authorities, Antara news agency reported.

“If the Philippines needs Indonesia’s assistance, we are ready to help the country,” Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu stated here on Tuesday.

The minister remarked that a military patrol boat had been readied to anticipate accidents.

However, Ryacudu noted that the military could not conduct any operations in the Philippines without obtaining prior permission from the authorities.

The minister affirmed that the hijacking of the Indonesian vessel was different from the piracy in Somalia.

Ryacudu has coordinated with his Philippine counterpart over the piracy issue.

“Indonesia continues to monitor the developments in the hostage situation,” the minister remarked.

According to national media, the Indonesian Embassy in Manila has confirmed that an Indonesian vessel was hijacked in the Philippines, and 10 Indonesian crewmen were taken hostage.

Embassy spokesperson Basriana could not confirm whether Abu Sayyaf militants, a group of Islamic extremists, were behind the hijacking of the Indonesian vessel.

The embassy continues to coordinate with the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao and other relevant authorities in the Philippines to gather more information on the situation. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)