The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary have confirmed the release of the 17 students being held hostage at the Mt. Bosavi area along the Border of both the Hela and Southern Highlands Province. Police Commissioner, David Manning told PNG HAUSBUNG that all students have been released and being medically evacuated out of the Mt. Bosavi area to receive medical treatment at Moro. “We are in the process of extracting them and providing medical attention for them.” “We’ve communicated with those at the PHA and they will be treated at the medical facilities at Moro.” The Commissioner did not specify as to the extent of the injuries sustained by the 17 girls but did mention that now their primary concern is for the welfare of the students’ health and mental welfare and assistance in dealing with the experience that they have gone through. He added that this by no means lessens the RPNGC’s objective in seeking out the kidnappers, stating that they will continue to pursue them to deter any similar situations in the future. “Right now, Police are doing their best to ascertain facts surrounding events that led to the kidnapping.” There are allegations of a ransom being paid to release the hostages, but police have men on the ground conducting the investigations into this to establish the truth behind this.