According to reports from the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC), there were five incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia from March 18-24, reports Safety4sea.
Area Of Concern
With the three incidents in SS, a total of 28 incidents were reported in SOMS since January 2025. The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting SOMS and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas.
Reassessing Threat Level
The Philippine government’s ongoing military operations in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi have successfully weakened the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), leading to increased surrenders, arrests, and neutralizations.
As a result of this progress, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in collaboration with other maritime security stakeholders, has reassessed the threat level in the Sulu-Celebes Seas.
They have recommended downgrading the “Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas” threat level from “MODERATE LOW” to “LOW.”
This “LOW” threat level signifies that there is currently no information or monitored activity indicating an imminent attack, and therefore, incidents are not expected to occur.
Recommendation Given
Shipmaster and crew are to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to the nearest coastal State and flag State, referring to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia, exercise vigilance, and adopt appropriate preventive measures taking reference from the Regional Guide 2 to Counter Piracy and Armed Robbery Against Ships in Asia; both produced by the ReCAAP ISC.
Did you subscribe to our daily Newsletter?
It’s Free Click here to Subscribe!
Source: Safety4sea
