The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) has expressed its “deep concern” about the situation of abduction of crew from ships in the Sulu-Celebes Sea and eastern Sabah region.
An alert on the ReCAAP website pointed out that there had been 11 incidents since March this year. Most of the incidents are claimed by the terrorist group of the Philippines Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
ReCAAP added that since last month the perpetrators had begun to target ships of larger tonnage. It reiterated its advisory to all ships to re-route from the area where possible. Otherwise, ship masters and crew are strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance while transiting the area.
