The government said Thursday it “does not negotiate with terrorists,” referring to the armed group that kidnapped 43 energy company workers earlier this week in the jungles of southeastern Peru’s Cuzco region and is demanding $10 million for their release.

“The government does not negotiate with terrorists, the government operates within the framework of the law,” Justice Minister Juan Jimenez told the official Andina news agency.

“Work is being done under the command of the Interior Ministry, work by the Defense Ministry, security work in the area to rescue these people alive,” Jimenez said.