PNG Prime Minister James Marape shared a photo on Facebook of two of the hostages, including Professor Bryce Barker, left, after their release. Photo: Supplied / Facebook / PM James Marape
The Papua New Guinea government has revealed that a ransom of US$28,000 was paid to Papua New Guinea kidnappers to secure the release of academic Bryce Barker and two local female researchers.
The National reports the Internal Security Minister, Peter Tsiamalili, saying that the "negotiations were deliberately undertaken by third parties, through an agreed operational strategy, so as to not compromise the State's position on law enforcement."
The three were the last of seven hostages taken by the armed men in the remote area at Mt Bosavi on the border of Southern Highlands and Hela.
They were doing fieldwork in a remote part of PNG's highlands when they were taken by a criminal gang which demanded a ransom for their freedom.
Tsiamalili said the families of the hostages, supporters, local communities and local authorities were also engaged in the negotiations.
He said it was important that the public understand the sensitive nature of what occurred in what was an "act of terrorism."
The Mt Bosavi local level government president Daffy Meo sent his apology to families and relatives of the three hostages released on Sunday.
Announcing the hostages' release on Facebook, PNG Prime Minister James Marape thanked police and defence forces, local leaders and the community for their assistance.
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta praised the release on Twitter, welcoming their safe return. Bryce Barker is a New Zealander now living in Australia.