Foreigners among those kidnapped in Papua New Guinea

The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) said on Monday that it was responding to confirmed reports that a number of hostages, including foreign nationals, had been taken by an armed group.

Amongst those kidnapped in the country's Southern Highlands region was an an Australian archeologist, as well as citizens of New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Police confirmed that the incident had taken place at the border of Southern Highlands and Hela provinces, near Fogoma'iu village.

"Deputy Police Commissioner Dr. Philip Mitna said a number of foreign citizens are among the group, which includes academics and a number of local guides," the RPNGC wrote on Facebook.

"The authorities, including police and local villagers are working around the clock to ensure the safe release of those held hostage," they said.

According to local media, a group of missionaries based in the region is currently trying to negotiate their release.

Prime minister: 'No place to hide'

The kidnappers had initially asked for a ransom of $1 million (around €940,000) and given a 24-hour deadline for its delivery before reducing their demands. Prime Minister James Marape said it's the first time such a ransom has been requested.

The government is "treating this very, very seriously, we don't want it to be a precedent for the future," he said.

"I just want to inform those who are engaged in this one, there is no place to run, there is no place to hide in our country," Marape added.

Canberra has so far refused to comment on the matter. The Australian government has said in the past that responding publicly to such incidents encourages copycat crimes.

Papua New Guinea's sprawling jungle-covered highlands have seen an uptick in armed violence in recent years, due to increases in tensions between local groups and the availability of modern weapons.

es/nm (AFP, Reuters)