PNG hostage freed but Australian professor and two local researchers still held captive

A Google Earth image of Mount Bosavi in the remote highlands of Papua New Guinea. It is believed an Australian professor was conducting studies near the peak with PNG graduates and guides when they were abducted Photograph: Google Earth

A woman who was taken hostage in Papua New Guinea has been released while an Australian professor and two local researchers are still held captive by an armed group in the country’s remote highlands.

The remaining three captives are believed to be in reasonable health, despite being held in difficult terrain.