JAKARTA, Indonesia — Indonesia said Tuesday that 10 of its citizens are being held hostage in the Philippines after their vessel was hijacked in the often-insecure border region between the two countries.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the owner of the hijacked tugboat and coal barge has received two telephone calls, purportedly from the militant group Abu Sayyaf, demanding a ransom.
It said it was unclear when the hijacking occurred but that the boat's owner was first contacted Saturday. The ministry referred to the hostage-takers as pirates.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said at a news conference that she is working with Indonesian and Philippine officials to coordinate a rescue.
"Our priority is the safety of 10 Indonesian nationals who are now still in the hands of the hostage-takers," she said.
Abu Sayyaf, which is on U.S. and Philippine lists of terrorist organizations, is notorious for bombings, extortion and kidnappings for ransom in the volatile south of the Philippines.
It has been weakened by years of U.S.-backed Philippine offensives but remains a security threat.
Print Headline: 10 on hijacked vessel hostages in Philippines now, Jakarta says
Source: 10 on hijacked vessel hostages in Philippines now, Jakarta says
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