Indonesia hands over hostages released by Philippine terrorist group to their families

JAKARTA, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Ministry on Tuesday handed over two hostages released by Philippine-based Abu Sayyaf-linked terrorist group to their families.

The two Indonesian hostages were released last Friday in southern Philippine province of Sulu.

The crew of a fishing boat were kidnapped by the terrorist group in Malaysia's waters of Sabah on Nov. 5 2016.

"The release of the two hostages was resulted from excellent orchestrated cooperation between several institutions, particularly the national military and intelligence agency," Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi said at the handing over ceremony.

The two hostages were received by their wives during the event.

Retno conveyed her appreciation over the families' trust and support for the government's efforts to deliver its promise.

The ministry, however, did not explained how the two hostages were released from the hand of the terrorist group.

According to the ministry, 32 Indonesian were kidnaped by Philippine terrorist groups since 2016, of which 29 have been released so far.

Efforts carried out by related Indonesian institutions are still underway to free the remaining three hostages. Enditem