Jakarta, IO – TNI-Polri joint team said there has been a breakthrough in the search of Susi Air pilot Captain Philips Max Martheins who is being held hostage by the National Liberation Army of West Papua-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM).
The armed criminal group led by Egianus Kogoya has claimed responsibility and released a footage of the Kiwi pilot. He was captured after the plane he piloted was set ablaze upon landing at Paro Airport, Nduga regency, Papua Highlands province on Tuesday (7/2). They stated that the pilot will not be released until their demands are met.
Papua Police spokesperson Ignatius Benny Prabowo said they have pinpointed the pilot’s position, but refuse to divulge it to the public for fear that it will jeopardize the search operation, reported BeritaSatu, Tuesday (21/2).
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A negotiation team has also been set up as part of the authorities’ preferred persuasive approach to handle the situation. “A report from the negotiating team has been submitted to the local government. It states that Captain Philips is in good health,” he said. (bp)