ReCAAP ISC said October 30th that it had received information from the Philippine Focal Point (Philippine Coast Guard) that a group of approximately 10 ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) members armed with pistol, rifles and a grenade launcher were planning to conduct kidnapping activities in Sabah, primarily targeting businessmen or ship’s crew of foreign vessels passing through the area.
Ship masters and crew were strongly urged to exercise extra vigilance when transiting the waters off Eastern Sabah and Sulu-Celebes Seas.