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16 Nov 2017 | 02:01 AM UTC

Philippines: Six kidnapped in Sulu province November 14

Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants kidnap six local residents in Patikul municipality (Sulu province) November 14

Warning

Event

On Tuesday, November 14, suspected Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped six residents of a village in the Patikul municipality of Sulu province. The incident occurred at around 20:45 (local time), when at least 15 armed militants entered the village and seized the victims from their homes. The hostages reportedly include two minors. Local security forces have launched an investigation into the incident, and a search operation is reportedly ongoing.

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 22 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.