‘I love you’, scruffy hostage pilot tells family in video after a YEAR held captive by bow & gun-wielding jungle rebels | 443MA28 | 2024-02-13 19:08:01
'I love you', scruffy hostage pilot tells family in video after a YEAR held captive by bow & gun-wielding jungle rebels | 443MA28 | 2024-02-13 19:08:01
Philip Mehrtens, 38, was landing a single-engine aircraft when it was seized by rebel
A NEW video of a missing hostage pilot has emerged a yr after he was captured by gun-wielding jungle rebels.
Philip Mehrtens, 38, was landing a single-engine aircraft when it was seized by rebels and set on hearth final February.
In the video, the New Zealand-born pilot appeared scruffy and gaunt, having spent a yr in captivity in Papua, Indonesia.
But he appeared smiling as he sat in an undisclosed location towards a jungle backdrop.
In a message to his spouse, Maria, and a six-year-old son, he stated: "I'm OK. They're treating me nicely.
"I'm making an attempt to stay constructive and I hope that you are wholesome and doing OK and getting help."
The video was recorded in December 22, 2023 however was solely launched last week.
Mehrtens added that "komandan" – probably referring to Egianus Kogoya, a commander within the West Papua National Liberation Army (TPN-PB) – has promised to organise a telephone call with the pilot's household within the coming days.
"I really like you each tons and miss you each tons and hope to be able to speak with you soon," he continued.
In a second video launched final week, the pilot asked the New Zealand authorities for supplies to mitigate his captivity.
He stated: "Are you able to please help to get one or two ventolin inhalers simply so that I've them out there in case I get some asthma and, if potential, can I please get an e-book reader like a Kindle with as many English books as attainable.
"That may be very a lot appreciated."
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Two months in the past, the rebels have threatened to kill Mehrtens if their calls for weren't met.
The separatists are reportedly members of the West Papua Nationwide Liberation Army, which is preventing for independence from Indonesia.
The dispute between Indonesia and Papua individuals has dated back to the late 1960s.
Papua came underneath Indonesian management in 1969 following a controversial UN-sponsored referendum.
The rebels have demanded New Zealand reduce links with Jakarta, which it accuses of finishing up genocide towards the Papuan inhabitants.
Mehrtens lived in an expat group on the Indonesian island of Bali together with his spouse and their younger son.&
He was a pilot for Indonesian aviation firm Susi Air when he was scheduled to select up 15 development staff who had been building a well being centre in Paro.
</div> </div> The plane was set to return to the town of Timika however was set hearth to by the separatists whereas the pilot was taken hostage.
The surprising footage following his seize showed him surrounded by armed rebels with high-powered rifles and bows.
In the video, he stated: "The army have taken me captive in their battle for independence."
5 Papau passengers who have been on the aircraft have been released because they are Indigenous, rebel spokesman Sebby Sambom stated at the time.
After Mehrtens' kidnapping, the rebels stated they might execute the pilot until Indonesia recognised and freed Papua from "Indonesian& colonialism".
Sambom advised The Telegraph the group was unwilling to speak to the "enemy" in Jakarta, however would negotiate the pilot's release with& Australia& and& New Zealand.
Leader Sebby Sambom reassured that the captive Kiwi was properly taken care of.
The rebels pose with the captured airplane as they set it on hearth[/caption]
A photograph of Mehrtens with the rebels who kidnapped him[/caption]
Philip Mehrtens is seen right here in his pilot identification photograph[/caption]
The Papau individuals accuse Indonesia of genocide[/caption]
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