Armed militants several days ago intercepted the Charles, which was manned by a crew of 13. Seven of the men were abducted in two stages within the span of two hours; the remaining six were allowed to go free.

The Abu Sayyaf militant group is strongly suspected to be behind the incident, having committed two similar abductions in the area this year. However, the Philippine government has not disclosed the identities of the perpetrators, pending clarification.

"We have made an initial report; when the ship docks in Samarinda [in East Kalimantan], we will make a further report," Rusianto Bersaudara spokesperson Taufikrahman said on Friday as quoted by tempo.co.

Taufikrahman said the company was continuing to maintain communication with the six crewmen, who are still on their way back to Indonesia following the incident, which occurred in the waters off Sulu on June 20.

The East Kalimantan Police, in whose jurisdiction the company that owns the Charles is headquartered, said two Indonesian warships were currently escorting the tugboat  and barge Robby 152 to the Semayang Balikpapan Harbor; it is unknown on what date the vessels will arrive.

The crewmen are expected to speak to the police and convey details of the incident. The coal tugboat was originally scheduled to dock at Samarinda Harbor on June 27, from where it set sail on June 4.

Taufikrahman said representatives from the shipping company would head to Jakarta to meet with the National Police and the Foreign Ministry on Friday. (liz/bbn)

Popular

Indonesian islanders lose ground as islets put on sale

Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave

A democratic reckoning for global development finance