Indonesia says 10 citizens held hostage

Indonesia said yesterday that 10 of its citizens are being held hostage in the Philippines after their ship 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 tug boat 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 incident occurred but that the ship owner was first contacted on Saturday. The ministry referred to the hostage-takers as pirates.
Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told 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.
If the Abu Sayyaf is confirmed responsible, the number of hostages would be among the largest it has seized since 2001. MDT/AP