ReCAAP issues alert regarding possible Abu Sayyaf Group kidnap efforts

The ReCAAP ISC has received information from the Philippine Coast Guard (ReCAAP Focal Point) about an incident involving a bulk carrier, Akij Pearl off Sibutu Island, Tawi-Tawi, Philippines on 3 March 2021 at about 1045 hrs. While the bulk carrier was underway, an unidentified speed boat with three perpetrators on board attempted to board the ship. The master reported the incident to the Philippine Navy Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS). There was no mention if the perpetrators were armed. Refer to map below on approximate location of incident.

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Source: recaap.org

Malaysia extends curfew in Sabah’s ESSZone until March 1

The curfew in the waters off seven districts in Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) has been extended until March 1.

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The curfew in the waters off seven districts in Malaysia’s Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone) has been extended until March 1.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the curfew covers the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

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Source: en.vietnamplus.vn

Troops seize another Abu Sayyaf harbour site in Sulu

SULU: Troops seized a harbour site of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) while on a combat operation in the hinterlands of Sulu, officials announced Monday.

Lt. Jerrica Angela Manongdo, Joint Task Force (JTF)-Sulu information officer, said troops of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion (2SFBn) seized the harbour site in Barangay Danag, Patikul at around 7:15am, Sunday.

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Source: dailyexpress.com.my

Curfew in waters off ESSZone extended until Feb 14

LAHAD DATU – The curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), which is scheduled to end tomorrow, has been extended until Feb 14.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the curfew covers the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

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Source: themalaysianreserve.com

Special forces in Sulu recover ASG firearms, speedboat —AFP

Special forces in Indanan, Sulu on Monday recovered firearms and a speedboat allegedly from the Abu Sayyaf Kidnap for Ransom Group, Joint Task Force Sulu said.

In a statement on Tuesday, JTF Sulu said that 11th Infantry Division commander Major General William Gonzales, operating troops of the 4th Special Forces Company and the 2nd Special Forces Battalion under the 1101st Infantry Brigade were able to recover high-powered firearms and other war materiel in So Andihi, Barangay Malimbaya.

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Source: gmanetwork.com

Esszone curfew extended until Jan 30

By MUGUNTAN VANAR

KOTA KINABALU: The curfew in waters off seven districts under the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone) has been extended to Jan 30, amid continued threats over cross border criminal activities.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the dawn-to-dusk sea curfew will cover waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

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Source: https://www.thestar.com.my

Esscom cripples drug trafficking syndicate at Semporna water village

By Avila Geraldine

SEMPORNA: The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) busted a drug trafficking syndicate at a water village here, when they arrested seven individuals and seized RM13,000 worth of syabu in two separate raids.

Esscom commander Datuk Ahmad Fuad Othman, in a statement today, said in a recent operation at Kampung Batu, security forces raided a house built on stilts and found drug-related items on the living room floor.

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Source: nst.com.my

Esszone curfew extended

TAWAU: The curfew in the waters off seven districts in the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (Esszone), scheduled to end today (Wednesday), has been extended to Dec 31.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali (pic) said the curfew covers the waters off Tawau, Semporna, Kunak, Lahad Datu, Kinabatangan, Sandakan and Beluran.

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Source: dailyexpress.com.my

Under Pressure on Shore, Abu Sayyaf May Increase Reliance on the Sea

A November incident holds important lessons about the militant group’s changing operations, as well as how to counter them.

By Jay Benson

In the predawn hours of November 3, a boat with seven Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members left a small island in the Sulu archipelago on a suspected kidnap for ransom operation. Locals had seen the group of unfamiliar men the day before and informed the security services. Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) forces intercepted the vessel in the darkness. It was fired upon by a helicopter before being rammed and split in two by a Philippine Navy vessel. An ASG leader, Mannor Sawadjaan, and the remaining six fighters were killed in the operation.

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Source: thediplomat.com

Sabah’s sea curfew extended to Dec 16

By STEPHANIE LEE

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s dusk-to-dawn sea curfew which ends on Tuesday (Dec 1), has been extended for another two weeks until Dec 16.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali (pic) said the extension of the 6pm to 6am curfew was needed due to continuous threats from cross-border criminals, including from kidnap-for-ransom groups.

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Source: thestar.com.my