Egianus Kogoya And His Group Become OPM Execution Targets After Receiving Bribes For The Release Of Philip Mark Mehrtens

PAPUA - Spokesperson for the West Papua National Liberation Army-Free Papua Movement (TPNPB-OPM), Sebby Sambom, expressed his disappointment over the release of Susi Air Pilot, Captain Phillip Mark Mehrtens, which was carried out by TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama-Derakma troops led by Egianus Kogoya. In addition, Sebby also identified Egianus Kogoya and several other TPNPB Kodap III Ndugama-Derakma troops suspected of receiving bribes from Indonesia to release the pilot. Sebby expressed his disappointment by showing a photo of OPM troops together with Captain Philip: “These OPM troops were the ones who received bribes. They are the targets of execution.”

Sebby expressed his disappointment because the process of releasing Captain Philip was considered incompatible with the proposal previously offered by the Komnas TPNPB Headquarters Management some time ago. Sebby explained that on 24 August 2024, Egianus Kogoya communicated with him via Video Call. At that time, Egianus asked Sebby Sambom and the Komnas TPNPB Headquarters Management team to issue a proposal to release the pilot immediately.

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"We have done according to his request to propose until we sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General to request facilitation. The New Zealand Government has agreed to support our proposal. We are just waiting for the response of the Indonesian Government, " said Sebby in a WhatsApp voice message, Saturday (21/9/2024). He said disappointedly, "Almost everyone said they support his willingness. We have built all high-level communication networks and high-level diplomacy through our facilitators from Europe, Asia, America, Australia, and New Zealand; we have done everything. But surprisingly, Egianus and his group betrayed the Komnas TPNPB assigned to work hard day and night".

Sebby also emphasized that so far, Egianus and his group have claimed to be TPNPB, but on 21 September 2024, it was proven that they are a cowardly group because they handed over the pilot to the TNI-Polri without following the proposal issued.

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"They are a cowardly group, who surrendered to the TNI-Polri by handing over the pilot to the TNI-Polri. That means they submit to the TNI-Polri, which we consider enemies, " said Sebby.

Seeing what had happened, Sebby said that the TPNPB National Commission Headquarters Management suspected that Egianus and his group had accepted bribes from Indonesia.

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"They handed over the pilot to the TNI-Polri with an offer that we already suspect they received bribes from Indonesia. Frankly, if you want to prove it, but we suspect it is true, it will be true. This group, Edison Gwijangge and his team, accepted bribes and there is no mercy for them on this Papuan land, " said Sebby.

"Before or after independence, they will bear the consequences of betraying our struggle. We have worked hard, announced the proposal, and are ready to pick them up. The New Zealand government said it was ready to send a plane. So, don't play around with this struggle, " he continued. Regarding this, Sebby also emphasized to other fighters not to commit treason like the Egianus Kogoya group did. "All fighters listen, whoever is a traitor will die. Don't play around and disappoint us. We work day and night, " he said.

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In a written message, a disappointed Sebby advised Egianus to surrender to Indonesia rather than dirty the TPNPB struggle.

"Egianus should surrender to Indonesia rather than dirty the name of the TPNPB. We still have 35 Regional Defense Commands. It doesn't matter if one command becomes a traitor. We will continue the war. It's not just the Nduga people who can fight. All of these tribes can fight, " said Sebby firmly.

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For your information, the contents of the proposal issued earlier contained several things related to the pilot release process that would be carried out. The points consisted of determining the facilitator, media, and advocacy teams. Then, the simulation of the release process, requirements, and who can receive the pilot in the field. Unfortunately, Egianus Kogoya ignored the proposal and just handed over the pilot.