REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has lauded the Philippines government for addressing the menace of piracy in its maritime territory.

"The Philippines government is combating piracy seriously. We should be grateful for that. I hope there is proper coordination between the Indonesian and Philippines government," Ryamizard Ryacudu said here on Wednesday.

The Philippines government, even on a national holiday, kept working to resolve the issue regarding hostages. The country was preparing to hand over the hostages who were being held by the Abu Sayyaf group.

The minister informed that around 6,000-7,000 Philippines troops had encircled the armed group which was holding captive seven Indonesian sailors in South Philippines.

"The Philippines military is carrying out the operation. We hope the hostages are in good condition," the minister hoped, adding that the Indonesian military is monitoring the situation.

"We have yet to enter Philippine's territory," he noted.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had earlier stated that these Indonesians were kidnapped by two different armed groups, but according to latest information, the seven boat crew members are now being held captive together.

"However, the hostages were split into two groups every once in a while. The group keeps moving from place to place but is currently said to be in the vicinity of Jolo Island," she had disclosed.

Retno revealed that the ministry continued to be in constant communication with the families of the hostages and were keeping them updated on every development.

Retno also let it be known that the tugboat, Charles, had arrived at the Semayang harbor in Balikpapan on Saturday, July 25, along with six sailors, who were freed by the armed group in South Philippines.

Since their arrival, the six boat crew members have been providing information on the kidnapping incident to the Navy, Retno revealed.

"It was reported by the crew members, who had returned, that the boat's route covered Tagoloan, Cagayan, and Mindanao and it was scheduled to dock in Samarinda. They also confirmed the two kidnappings, in which three boat crew members were taken hostage in the first incident, and four were taken captive in the second incident," she elaborated.

"The first group of kidnappers comprised five to six armed members, and the second group had eight to 10 armed members," she noted.

Minister Retno affirmed that the Indonesian government will make every possible effort to secure the release of the hostages through cooperation with several parties, including the Philippines government.

Seven Indonesian tugboat crew members were held captive by an armed militant group in the waters of South Philippines on June 20.

Retno further remarked that the kidnappings in the Sulu Ocean were executed in two phases by different groups: on June 20 at around 11:30 a.m. local time and later at 12:45 p.m. local time.

"At the time of kidnapping, there were 13 crew members aboard, of whom seven were abducted, and six were released. Those, who were freed, are on their way to bring both ships back to Samarinda," the minister added.

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