Hostage situation

Key points:

• PNG's prime minister announced the release of a female hostage
• An Australian is still being held in remote bushland along with two other locals
• The kidnappers are demanding a ransom for their release

PNG's Prime Minister James Marape has announced the release of the woman, while calling for the criminals to set free the remaining hostages.

Police Commissioner David Manning has been updated by Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Police Operations, Dr Philip Mitna, on negotiations to secure the release of the people who are in captivity. Police have been authorized to use all necessary force to free the hostages.

Commissioner Manning said, “I have been briefed on the situation in which one foreign national and three PNG university students are being held by criminals in the border region of Southern Highlands, Hela and Western Provinces.

Deputy Police Commissioner Dr. Philip Mitna stated that among the group being held are foreign citizens, academics, and several local guides.

He confirmed that the relevant High Commissions have been contacted and are being kept informed as the situation unfolds.

According to Mitna, the armed criminals are believed to be from Komo in the Hela province and took the victims hostage after encountering them on their return from Kamusie.

It is not known if he is armed or if anyone has been hurt.

The service was being streamed live when the incident started. The feed has since been taken down, but not before an angry man could be heard saying he did not want anyone to be hurt.

Police deployed special weapons teams and local people were evacuated.

At least four hostages - including the rabbi - are believed to be inside the synagogue, two law enforcement officials told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.