One CAT 41 incident of armed robbery against ships in Asia was reported to ReCAAP ISC.
The incident occurred on board a RORO car carrier while berthed at Batangas Port, Philippines for cargo operations on 31 August. As the theft was only discovered later, the Centre took some time to verify the incident with the relevant authorities.
Downgrading of threat level
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), after careful consideration of inputs from stakeholders and counterparts with vital involvement in securing the Sulu-Celebes Seas maritime security measure, recommends the downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of Crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘POTENTIALLY HIGH’ to ‘MODERATE’.
The MODERATE threat level implies that ‘Incidents are possible to occur but are relatively less severe in nature’.
Recommendations
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 appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia.
