Indonesia says its military to be allowed to enter Philippine territory in next hostage situations

The Philippines will allow Indonesian military to enter its territory if another kidnapping of Indonesian nationals occurs there, Indonesian defense minister said here Tuesday.

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu made the remarks after meeting with his Philippine counterpart Voltaire Gazmin in Manila in an effort to release seven Indonesian seamen being held hostage by an armed group in southern Philippines.

"We have reached an agreement, should another kidnapping occur again, we can enter the territory," Ryacudu said at the security chief's ministry.

He said his meeting with Gazmin was carried out after their meeting with Malaysian defense minister, who also agreed to the entry of Indonesian military to the Philippine territory, last week.

Indonesian Military Commander General Gatot Nurmantyo disclosed that the abductors of the Indonesian seamen are the Al Habsyi faction of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in the Philippines.

The general said four out of the seven are being held hostage in Jolo Island of southern Philippines and the others are in another place.

The seven crews of Tugboat Charles 001 and Robby barge ship 152, were abducted in the Sulu Sea of southern Philippines on June 20, according to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

It was the third abduction of Indonesian nationals in the waters between the two countries this year.

The kidnappers released six out of 13 people on board, Retno added.

The abduction occurred after the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines reached an agreement last month to conduct a joint patrol to secure the waterways at the borders of the nations. Endit