Philippines: Foreign national kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf militants released Jan.15

Event

Security forces during a security operation in a remote village of the Sulu province (southern Philippines) on January 15 released an Indonesian national kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf militants in September 2018.

Context

Notorious for carrying out kidnappings, bombings, and beheadings in western Mindanao, the Abu Sayyaf group is still holding five foreigners in the Sulu province. For almost two decades, the Philippine security forces have been trying to defeat and neutralize this violent and mafia-like group.

Advice

As a reminder, authorities advise against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago due to the risk of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups. Individuals are advised to adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.