Philippines: Abu Sayyaf releases ten hostages June 21

Event

Abu Sayyaf militants released ten Filipino hostages on Friday evening (local time), June 21, according to Philippine police. The hostages were kidnapped near the Malaysian province of Sabah while fishing on Tuesday morning, June 18. No ransom was reportedly paid; security forces recovered the abducted fishermen near Talipao town in Sulu province. Further kidnappings are likely in the coastal waters of Sabah and the Sulu archipelago in the coming months.

Context

Abu Sayyaf is an Islamic State (IS)-affiliated jihadist militant group operating primarily in the southern Philippines. It is notorious for kidnapping people for ransom, especially in southwestern Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.

Advice

Individuals in southern Philippines and northern Borneo are advised to remain vigilant for criminal and militant behavior, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities (e.g. curfews) and their home governments, avoid oceangoing activities after dark, and adjust daily routines.