Over the past week, from May 27 to June 3, 2025, the ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre (ISC) reported six incidents of armed robbery against ships in Asia, reports Safety4sea.
Reassessing Threat Level
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with various stakeholders and counterparts involved in the maritime security of the Sulu-Celebes Seas, has announced a significant downgrade in the threat level for “Abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes Seas.”
This re-assessment comes as a direct result of the continuous military operations conducted by the Philippine Government in Zamboanga, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. These efforts have reportedly led to the successful dismantling of the support base of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), significantly increasing the likelihood of the group’s end through surrender, arrest, and neutralization of its members.
Consequently, the PCG has recommended further downgrading the threat level from ‘MODERATE LOW’ to ‘LOW’. This new ‘LOW’ classification implies that “No information or monitored activities suggest an impending attack; hence incidents are not expected to occur.” This marks a positive development for maritime safety in a region that has historically been plagued by piracy and kidnapping.
Recommendations Given
Ship masters and crew are mandated to report all incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships to both the nearest coastal State and their respective flag State. This reporting should be done with reference to the Poster on the Contact Details for Reporting of Incidents of Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia.
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Source: Safety4sea
