Minister confirms seven Indonesians taken hostage by Abu Sayyaf group

Coordinating Minister for Security, Legal and Political Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan confirmed late Thursday that seven Indonesian citizens have been taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf rebel group in the Philippines.

He was quoted by CNN Indonesia as saying that he obtained the information from the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He said the government is still studying the matter.

A vessel called TB Charles owned by Indonesian shipping firm PT PP Rusianto Bersaudara was raided by Abussayaf on Wednesday and took hostage.(*)