'I love you', scruffy hostage pilot tells family in video after a YEAR held captive by bow & gun-wielding jungle rebels | UGRMZ41 | 2024-02-14 19:08:01
Philip Mehrtens, 38, was landing a single-engine aircraft when it was seized by rebel
A NEW video of a lacking 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 wife, Maria, and a six-year-old son, he stated: "I'm OK. They are treating me properly.
"I'm making an attempt to stay constructive and I hope that you are healthy and doing OK and getting help."
The video was recorded in December 22, 2023 but was solely launched last week.
Mehrtens added that "komandan" – probably referring to Egianus Kogoya, a commander in the West Papua Nationwide Liberation Military (TPN-PB) – has promised to organise a telephone name with the pilot's family in the coming days.
"I really like you both tons and miss you each tons and hope to be able to speak with you quickly," he continued.
In a second video launched last week, the pilot requested the New Zealand government for provides to mitigate his captivity.
He stated: "Are you able to please assist to get one or two ventolin inhalers simply in order that I have them obtainable in case I get some bronchial 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 much appreciated."
<!-- End of Brightcove Player --> Two months in the past, the rebels have threatened to kill Mehrtens if their demands were not met.
The separatists are reportedly members of the West Papua National Liberation Army, which is preventing for independence from Indonesia.
The dispute between Indonesia and Papua individuals has dated again to the late 1960s.
Papua came beneath Indonesian control in 1969 following a controversial UN-sponsored referendum.
The rebels have demanded New Zealand reduce hyperlinks with Jakarta, which it accuses of carrying out genocide towards the Papuan inhabitants.
Mehrtens lived in an expat group on the Indonesian island of Bali together with his spouse and their young son.&
He was a pilot for Indonesian aviation company Susi Air when he was scheduled to select up 15 development staff who had been constructing a well being centre in Paro.
</div> </div> The plane was set to return to the city 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.
Within the video, he stated: "The army have taken me captive of their battle for independence."
5 Papau passengers who have been on the aircraft have been launched as a result of 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 talk to the "enemy" in Jakarta, but 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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