Two incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported to the ReCAAP ISC, between 30 July and 6 August 2024.
One incident occurred onboard a bulk carrier while anchored at Kuala Tanjung Anchorage, Indonesia on 21 Jul 2024. The other incident occurred onboard a bulk carrier while underway in the eastbound lane of the Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) on 6 Aug 2024.
Re-assessment and downgrading of threat level
The efforts by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi through continuous military operations led to the dismantling of the support base and neutralizing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the Sulu archipelago.
Against this backdrop, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts vital to the maritime security of the Sulu-Celebes Seas, reviewed the threat situation, and recommended further downgrading the threat level of ‘Abduction of Crew for Ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ from ‘MODERATE’ to ‘MODERATE LOW,’ which implies that ‘Incidents are unlikely to occur due to perpetrators’ perceived lack of capability to orchestrate an attack.
Nevertheless, minimal damages are expected to the vessel and crew in case of an attack.’
Update of ReCAAP ISC advisory
- With the downgrading of the threat on the ‘Abduction of Crew for Ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas’ by the PCG, ReCAAP ISC has updated its advisory for ships to “exercise vigilance and adopt necessary preventive measures while transiting the area.”
- For ships transiting the area, the ship masters and crew are strongly encouraged to exercise extra vigilance and report all incidents immediately to the Operation Centres of the Philippines and Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) of Malaysia.
