REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NDUGA -- The pilot of Susi Air airline, Captain Philip Mark Marthens, was finally released after being taken hostage by the Free Papua Organization (OPM) or the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) under Egianus Kogoya on Saturday (21/9/2024). Philip, who is a New Zealander, has been held hostage for about 1.5 years.
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“Yes, that's right, today we managed to pick up Pilot Philip in good health. Our pilot flew from Nduga directly to Timika,” said Kasatgas Public Relations Operation Damai Cartenz 2024, Kombes Bayu Suseno in a press release in Jakarta on Saturday.
Bayu explained that Captain Philip was picked up by the police in Kampung Yuguru, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountainous Province. Afterwards, the visibly thinner Captain Philip was taken to a special room to undergo medical treatment while ensuring his psychological condition stabilized.
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In a photo shared by Operation Peaceful Cartenz, Philip's face is strewn with mustaches, bangs, and his hair is gondrong. He also wears a necklace when talking to police officers.