PORT MORESBY, Feb 26, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - An Australian helicopter pilot and two local contractors kidnapped in Papua New Guinea's highlands have been freed unharmed, police and an aviation company spokesman said Monday.

The pilot and two others -- believed to be local sub-contractors -- were taken on Monday afternoon near Mount Sisa in central Hela Province while working at a remote telecommunications tower, but were now free, "safe and unharmed", police said.