Jayapura – The Cartenz Peace Task Force stated that Susi Air Pilot Philip Mehrtens, who was being held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB), was still in the Nduga Regency area, Papua Mountains.
Head of Operations for the Cartenz Peace Task Force, Kombes Faizal Ramadhani, said this after Philip’s photo circulated recently.
According to him, the photos circulating show the latest condition of the New Zealand pilot.
“Yes (still alive). The location is still around Nduga Regency,” said Faizal via short message, Monday (15/1).
In a photo circulating some time ago, the pilot looks like he has long hair. Different from when the photo initially circulated.
Philip in the photo is also seen sitting together with the hostage taker, Egianus Kogoya, clenching his fists.
Philip has been held hostage by the KKB led by Egianus Kogoya since February 7 2023, shortly after landing the plane at the Paro airport, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains.
On May 26 2023, KKB released a video showing Philip’s condition. The New Zealand pilot said the KKB would shoot him if there were no negotiations within two months.
