During 22-28 March 22, no incident of piracy and armed robbery against ship in Asia was reported to the ReCAAP ISC.
However, 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 and the Sulu-Celebes Seas.
Abduction of crew in Sulu-Celebes Seas and Waters off Eastern Sabah
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 Philippine and Malaysian authorities continued to conduct pursuit operations and intensify military operations to neutralise the ASG. In 2021, the operations carried out by the Armed Forces of the Philippines had resulted in the neutralisation of some ASG subleaders and members.
However, as Mundi Sawadjaan (one of the ASG Commanders responsible for the abduction of crew in the Sulu area) is still at large, the threat of abduction of crew from ships remains high, particularly in the areas of Sulu and nearby waters off Tawi-Tawi.
The ReCAAP ISC reiterates its advisory to all ships to reroute from the area, where possible. Otherwise, ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the area, and report all incidents immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.
Recommendation
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 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
