ReCAAP ISC issued its weekly report for 21-27 September 2021, reporting no incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia.
However, the ReCAAP ISC advises ships to continue to exercise enhanced vigilance; and littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in areas of concern, including the Singapore Strait, Manila Anchorage areas, and the Sulu-Celebes Seas.
On 27 Sep 21, the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine National Police arrested the leader of the group responsible for the recent series of incidents of armed robbery occurred to ships while anchored at Manila Anchorage areas in the Philippines (refer to the ReCAAP ISC’s Incident Alert on 23 August 21). The joint law enforcement agencies are currently carrying out follow-up operations against other members of the group.
As informed, there is no incident of abduction of crew reported since the last incident in January 2020 up to today, and no crew is currently being held in captivity by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
The ReCAAP ISC urges ship master and crew to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, exercise vigilance and adopt relevant preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.