409  days. Can you imagine the pain of not seeing your wife or your kids for that long? Unfortunately, that's how long Philip Mehrtens, a New Zealand pilot, has been held captive by a group of tribal warlords called Eganius Koyega of West Papua natives partially related to the West Papua National Liberation Army, which is a terrorist group to blame for other actions such as the Nduga massacre.

Philip has become a bargaining chip for the warlords to gain their independence from Indonesia. They plan to keep him there as long as it takes to achieve their goals. This situation demands that we take action to help him.

That's why we should come together and vote to send the Indonesian commandos known as the KOPASSUS Red Beret Corps. This special forces regiment is some of the best of the best and is a part of the Indonesian National Armed Forces. If possible with New Zealand's help from their SAS (Special Air Service) Regiment to help save one of their citizens in a joint task force with the Indonesian National Armed Forces. With their help, we can save not just Philip but a pilot, a father, and a husband.

If we get this petition popular enough, the Indonesian or New Zealand governments will side with the people and promptly rescue Philip. If not I have the contact info for both countries.

The reason this is so personal to me is because of my favorite teacher, Mr.Yohn. Mr.Yohn is my 8th-grade history teacher and every Friday he does his "weekly updates" which are mainly to keep us up to date on info of what's happening in the world. But this is the story he has done the most research on because every Friday there is an update on Philip Mehrtens. For over 1 year Mr.Yohn has updated his 8th-graders on Philips story. Our class, Mr.Yohn's 8th grade history class has felt almost attached to this story and has feelings for what Philip might be going through and so have I. That's why I only want the best for Philip and want to see him go home to his family.

Please watch this recently released video of Philip to learn more: https://youtu.be/Sg75c848zuA

Philip stated this in the video linked above

“I’m OK, they are treating me well, I’m trying to stay positive,” "I love you both lots and miss you both lots and hope to be able to talk with you soon,” Mehrtens said in the video message directed to his family. "