Indonesia is preparing to send troops to free seafarers taken hostage from a tug off the Philippines last month.
Ten men were captured in the attack on the Brahma 12 (built 2015) by Abu Sayyaf militants.
Indonesia’s national police spokesman Anton Charliyan told the Tempo daily that the Philippines government has asked them to wait until Friday to make a decision on a rescue mission.
“The foreign ministry is still negotiating with the Philippine authorities to see whether there are enough troops from the Philippines or whether it is necessary to bring in troops from Indonesia," he added.
Special forces personnel are in place and ready. They are currently conducting intensive training exercises in the border areas of Kalimantan, Charliyan added.
Tug operator Patria Maritime Lines is said to be ready to pay a ransom, which has been reported at more than $1m.
The company is not commenting, however.
