"We have been informed that an Indonesian citizen with a passport has been found in the city. However, we have not yet obtained any further details from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)," Nasir stated in Jakarta.
He noted that the ministry will continue to observe the situation in Marawi by contacting the forces for updates.
About 10 of 11 Indonesian citizens who currently stayed in Marawi are members of the countrys Islamic group, "Jamaah Tabligh." They traveled to Philippines to perform a missionary activity called "khuruj."
"Meanwhile, one had actually married a local and stayed in Marawi for years. This person had routinely contacted our Consulate General in Davao," Nasir added.
The ministry has not yet obtained any information on whether the 11 Indonesian citizens have any affiliation with the insurgents linked to terror groups such as Maute group.
"The 11 Indonesian citizens have held passports and a permit from the local government to perform their missionary activities," he reiterated.
Ten of the 11 Indonesian citizens were in a good condition.
"They are now in a secure location," Nasir noted while adding that the National Police has continued coordinating with the Philippines authority to assure the safety of Indonesian citizens in Marawi.
The Consulate General in Davao, moreover, has maintained communication with the local police in the citys Lanao del Sur province to provide protection for the 11 Indonesian citizens.
Nasir further explained that the Indonesian government has sought the return of its citizens from Marawi.
The evacuation plan, however, had to be delayed because the Philippines government had not yet revoked the emergency status in Marawi.
Earlier on Tuesday night, the Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte declared a military emergency status in Marawi following a clash between the countrys forces and an armed group.
The conflict occurred when a militant group linked to IS was raiding the city to fight against the forces who sought to detain Isnilon Hapilon, the head of Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.
Reported by Yuni Arisandy
(Uu. KR-GNT/INE)
EDITED BY INE
(UU.KR-GNT/A/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
