by Theckla Gunga – EM TV News, Port Moresby
The Prime Minister’s office this afternoon confirmed that soldier’s from the PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) have rescued the two Indonesian men who were taken as hostages at the PNG-Indonesian border.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, said both governments had communicated well which resulted in the eventual rescue.
“Through careful planning by PNGDF and other security elements, this situation has been resolved without further loss of life,” the Prime Minister said.
He said both have undergone medial checks and will be taken to Indonesia.
The Prime Minister said the operation is still ongoing so it would be inappropriate to comment further until a number of matters relating to the situation are resolved.
“We must be careful to ensure that anything said in the media does not undermine operational security,” O’ Neill said.
Investigations into the events leading up to their capture are continuing, and the two men will be returned to their family in Indonesia.