Over the past week, 11-17 February, three incidents (one CAT 2 incident, one CAT 3 incident, and one CAT 4 incident) of armed robbery against ships in Asia were reported to the ReCAAP ISC.
Area Of Concern
With the three incidents in SS, a total of 15 incidents were reported in SOMS since January 2025. The ReCAAP ISC advises ships to exercise enhanced vigilance when transiting the concerned areas and the littoral States to increase patrols and enforcement in these areas. The efforts by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi through the conduct of continuous military operations led to the dismantling of the support base of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and ensured the likelihood of the end of the group through surrender, arrest, and neutralization.
Against this backdrop, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), coordinated with other stakeholders and counterparts that have vital involvement in the maritime security of the vessel, re-assessed the threat level and recommended further downgrading the threat level of ‘Abduction of the crew for ransom in the previous incident from ‘MODERATE LOW’ to ‘LOW’, meaning ‘No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur’.
Recommendations Given
Ship master 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.
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Source: Safety4sea
