President Thanks Philippine Government over Release of Hostages

Bogor, West Java, May 1 (Antara) - President Joko Widodo expressed thanks to the Philippine government here on Sunday in connection with the release of 10 Indonesian citizens so far held hostage by Abu Sayyaf group in that country. "I specially thanked the Philippine government," he said in a press conference at the Presidential Palace here on Sunday. He said without good cooperation especially between the two countries it would be impossible for the efforts to release them to be successful. He said the government is still working hard for the release of four other citizens still being held hostage. President Joko Widodo said the released ship crew members would be flown to Jakarta from the air force base in Zamboanga, the Philippines, to Jakarta this evening. They are expected to arrive at midnight, he added. "They are all fine and will be immediately flown home," he said. President Joko Widodo also thanked to all parties that have been involved in the efforts for their cooperation for the release of the ten hostages. President Joko Widodo held the press conference immediately after receiving report about the release of the 10 hostages from foreign minister Retno Marsudi. At the press conference the President was flanked by minister Retno Marsudi, minister/state secretary Pratikno and commander of the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI), General Gatot Nurmantyo.