Mimika –* After 1.5 years, Susi Air Pilot, Philip Mark Mehrtens, was finally released from being held hostage by the Armed Criminal Group (KKB) led by Egianus Kogoya.This release took place on Saturday, September 21, 2024, and was a moment full of emotion and happiness for Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens’ wife who is currently in Bali and also Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens’ family.In an emotional atmosphere, Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens was accompanied by the Head of Public Relations of the Cartenz-2024 Peace Operations Task Force, KBP Dr. Bayu Suseno, and the Mimika Police Chief, AKBP I Komang Budiartha, when he made a video call with his wife and family.When he heard the voices and saw the faces of his loved ones, his initially tense expression slowly changed to happiness. Tears of joy could not be held back when he announced that he was now free from the clutches of the KKB.Head of Public Relations of the Papua Police, Senior Commissioner Pol. Ignatius Benny Ady Prabowo, S.H., S.I.K., M.Kom, said, “Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens was very happy when he made a video call with his wife and family to announce that he had been released.”To ensure his health condition after his release, the Health Team of the Cartenz-2024 Peace Operation Task Force has conducted a health check on Pilot Mehrtens.Head of Public Relations of the Cartenz 2024 Peace Operation Task Force, Senior Commissioner Dr. Bayu Suseno, added that the pilot was successfully released and picked up by a joint team in Yuguru Village, Maibarok District, Nduga Regency.”After the pick-up process, Pilot Philip Mark Mehrtens was immediately flown to the Mako Brimob Battalion B in Timika,” concluded Senior Commissioner Dr. Bayu Suseno.
