‘Downgrade Abu kidnap threat in Sulu-Celebes seas’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A Singapore-based anti-piracy and high sea robbery monitoring group has recommended the downgrading of the threat of kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the waters at the border of Malaysia and the Philippines.

In its report last week, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery (ReCAAP) said the threat of kidnapping in the Sulu-Celebes Seas should be downgraded from “moderate” to “moderate low.”

The group said there was no report of kidnapping in the area in 2023, citing the security measures being implemented by the Philippines and Malaysia in addressing cross-border and high seas kidnapping.

At a briefing, ReCAAP executive director Krishnaswamy Natarajan noted the concerted efforts of Philippine and Malaysian authorities in thwarting kidnapping and piracy by Abu Sayyaf bandits.

“Which implies that incidents are unlikely to occur due to the perpetrators’ perceived lack of capability to orchestrate an attack,” the ReCAAP said in its weekly reassessment.

However, the monitoring group issued an advisory to ships to exercise vigilance and adopt necessary preventive measures while transiting in the area.

It said incidents should be immediately reported to the operation centers of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command of Malaysia.

Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force Orion commander, said the surrender of Abu Sayyaf members and assistance provided for their rehabilitation prevented the former militants from engaging in crimes.

Patrimonio said the neutralization of suicide bombing mastermind Mudzrimar Sawadjaan, alias Mundi, last December was instrumental in the declaration of Sulu as Abu Sayyaf-free.