The Search For Captain Philips Continues To Be Expanded To 4 Regencies In Papua

Susi Air Pilot Philip Mark Mahrentens and KKB took him hostage. (DOC. ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Damai Cartenz Ops is expanding the search area for Captain Philips Max Marthens to four districts. The area is suspected to be a hiding place for armed criminal groups (KKB).

"The search has been expanded to 4 districts suspected of being hiding places for the KKB group that took the Susi Air pilot hostage," said Head of Operations Damai Cartenz-2023, Kombes Faizal Ramadhani in his statement, Saturday, April 8.

The four districts include Nduga, Lanny Jaya, Yahukimo and Puncak Ilaga. However, there has been no significant development in the search for Captain Philips Max Marthens.

It is only emphasized that Ops Damai Cartenz continues to do everything possible to save the Susi Air pilot.

"Ops Damai Cartenz is still searching and deepening related to Susi Air's rescue efforts," said Faizal.

It is known that Captain Philip was taken hostage by the KKB after landing a Pilatus Porter aircraft at the Paro airport, Nduga Regency, Papua Mountains, on February 7.

In addition to holding the captain hostage, the KKB also burned the plane belonging to Susi Air.

TNI Commander Admiral Yudo Margono said he was optimistic that Susi Air pilot Captain Philip Mark Mehrtens, who was held hostage by the Papuan KKB led by Egianus Kogoya, could be released safely.

"God willing, I am optimistic. Yes, optimistic," said Yudo.

Yudo is optimistic that Philip will be safe if his release is carried out in a persuasive manner. According to him, if the rescue is carried out by military means, then the KKB will not hesitate to shoot the pilot.

"If I release it by military means, I have monitored the conversation, 'later when you meet the TNI, just kill it, shoot it, later let the TNI be accused of killing this pilot'," he concluded.