Philippines: Five Abu Sayyaf hostages freed Nov. 17

Event

On Tuesday, November 21, the Philippine army reported the rescue of five Filipino nationals who had been held hostage by Abu Sayyaf in the southernmost province of Tawi-Tawi. The rescue took place on Friday, November 17. The victims had been held captive since October 14, 2017, when they were abducted while fishing near Sulu Island.

Context

Kidnapping is common in the southern Philippines. Abu Sayyaf is known for kidnapping people for ransom in southwest Mindanao (especially in Zamboanga province) and in the Sulu Archipelago (Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Basilan provinces). Sailors and foreigners are regularly abducted in the Sulu Sea. It is estimated that at least 17 people are still being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf, including seven foreign nationals.

Advice

As a reminder, some Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to southwest Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago due to ongoing terrorist activity and regular clashes between the military and insurgent groups. Authorities advise against all but essential travel to the remainder of Mindanao and to the south of Cebu province, up to and including the municipalities of Dalaguete and Badian, due to the threat of terrorism.