Indonesian military prepares for rescue operations in PH

Indonesian Air Force personnel participate in an anti-terror drill at the Sultan Iskandar Muda International airport in Banda Aceh on April 22, 2016. The Indonesian Air Force held the anti-terror drill to improve their skills when faced with possible terrorist situations. / AFP PHOTO / CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN

The Indonesian Military (TNI) has prepared its troops for possible involvement in military operations to release 10 Indonesian sailors held hostage by armed groups in the Philippines, even though a concrete agreement on how to conduct such operations has yet to be made with Manila.

TNI commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo said the force was well prepared for every possible measure to assist the Philippines and Malaysia in operations to release the hostages from the hand of suspected Abu Sayyaf militant groups.

Even after Saturday’s abduction of three Indonesian sailors, marking the fourth incident involving Indonesian nationals this year, Philippine officials have yet to agree to allow Indonesian forces to enter its territory and join security operations should another abduction occur, Gatot said.

READ: 3 Indonesians kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits

“[The Philippines] has given the green light to allow us [to enter its territory], but the concrete agreement will be decided later by the defense minister,” Gatot said on Monday.

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu is scheduled to hold a meeting with his Philippine and Malaysian counterparts on Tuesday to discuss the follow-up to a trilateral agreement on joint maritime security formed in May. They will also talk about further measures to release the hostages.

READ: Indonesia to impose tougher security checks for Malaysians, Singaporeans

The matter regarding Indonesia’s authority to enter the Philippines in a joint operation would be decided in the meeting, Gatot said.

While deliberations over rescue operations are ongoing, the TNI has also prepared its personnel to guard every barge or tugboat traveling the regional waters, with at least four or five TNI personnel in each vessel, Gatot said, adding that the troops were also ready to participate in joint sea patrol.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Luhut B. Pandjaitan said Jakarta would respect the Philippines’ sovereignty and not encroach on its territory.

Last Saturday, three Indonesian sailors were abducted in Malaysian Sabah waters while they were conducting fishing activities in the area. It was the latest incident of the kidnapping spree, occurring less than a month since seven Indonesian ship crewmen were taken hostage by two different Philippine militant groups and held on different islands in southern Philippines.

RELATED VIDEO