Phillip Mark Mehrtens, New Zealand pilot for Jetstar, appears thin and pale in a video published a few days ago, the last sign of life for the 38-year-old man since his capture on February 7, 2023 by the armed separatist group. Papuan TPN-PB.
Dated December 23, 2023, the video shows Phillip speaking to his family for the first time in over six months.
West Papuan Liberation Army rebels kidnapped him after storming his plane as he was supposed to evacuate 15 construction workers who were building a health center in the remote Nduga region.
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“I'm fine, they're treating me well… I'm trying to stay positive and I hope that you and Jacob are healthy, that you're doing well and that you're getting support,” tries to reassure a physically weakened Phillip.
Separatist spokesperson Sebby Sambom wrote on Facebook that he would be held hostage in negotiations with Indonesia, but warned that if Jakarta refused to negotiate or intervened militarily, the pilot "would be executed." .