Indonesia vow to free more nationals held hostage by Abu Sayyaf

The Indonesian government will seek release of another two Indonesian nationals held hostage by Abu Sayyaf bandits in southern Philippines, the foreign minister said here on Sunday.

Retno Marsudi made the remarks after three Indonesian hostages were freed on Saturday evening.

"We hope people will jointly pray, so the effort to free the hostages can be carried out immediately and successfully," Retno told a joint press conference at the defense ministry office.

Last month, four Indonesian sailors were released by their captors Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Military Commander General Gatot Nurmantyo, for his part, said he has instructed military personnel to get prepared for possible operation to release the Indonesian hostages.

The general stressed that he would dispatch Indonesian soldiers should the government of the Philippines allow them to enter the country.

"I order the armed forces (TNI) troops to be ready for all possibilities, including the involvement of the TNI troops in operation to free the hostages," he said.

The release of Indonesian hostages came as the government of the Philippines launched an offensive against the Abu Sayyaf group, according to Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizar Ryacudu.

A total of 25 Indonesian sailors were abducted by the group this year, of whom 23 have been released so far. Endit