Cautious optimism as Malaysian and Philippine military forces continue to reduce the maritime security impact of the Abu Sayyaf Group
Malaysian Police display weapons belonging to five Abu Sayyaf militants that were killed on 17 May in Sabah. Image: BERNAMA/Malaysian National News Agency
7 July 2021
Notorious for its use of kidnap for ransom operations to finance its militant insurgency operations, the Abu Sayyaf Group's impact on maritime security has been curbed significantly by an enhanced military response by both Malaysian and Philippine forces in recent years. Still, the risk remains that ASG militants could take desperate measures to retain some control.
By Thomas Timlen, South-east Asia analyst
Over four years ago, on Thursday, 23 March 2017, three speedboats with armed men on board approached the SUPER SHUTTLE TUG 1 as it was en route from Cebu to General Santos with a Ro/Ro in tow. The tug was boarded and its captain and chief engineer were kidnapped. Philippine Armed Forces responding to the attack captured one perpetrator and one speedboat. Within four days both captives had been freed, and no ransom was paid.
There is no doubt that the attack was conducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), notorious for its use of kidnap for ransom operations to finance its militant insurgency operations. This operation in early 2017 was the ASG’s last successful kidnapping of seafarers on board a non-fishing vessel. Two failed attempts to kidnap crew from tugs in the area in 2018 represent the group’s last efforts targeting of seafarers other than crew of fishing trawlers.
During these four years the armed forces of both The Philippines and Malaysia significantly enhanced their capabilities to suppress ASG activities with commendable results. There are no seafarers presently held by the group, the number of active ASG militants has been reduced, and those that remain are being hunted down, killed and captured on the islands of the Sulu Archipelago and in the jungles of Borneo. Under such pressure, the ASG activities have shifted from kidnap for ransom operations at sea to terrorist tactics on land, in the form of suicide bombings at places of worship, at public markets and at police and military posts.
Despite this shift, the waters along the archipelago retain their reputation as a kidnap for ransom zone. Whilst the threat of encountering such attacks has declined, it remains advisable to utilise the designated transit corridors, as regional navies and coast guards continue to patrol these waters and can respond quickly if needed. Like a cornered wild animal, remaining ASG militants could still take desperate measures as forces beyond their control close in.
Users of the Risk Intelligence System can obtain regularly updated assessments of the threats posed by the ASG from the Threat Assessments for the Philippines and the Sulu/Celebes Seas. In addition, a thorough evaluation of the ASG’s current situation is available in the monthly focus article ‘Is the Abu Sayyaf Group still a threat?’ appearing in the Risk Intelligence Monthly Report for April 2021.
Get the Monthly Intelligence Report or a free trial of the Risk Intelligence System to stay informed:
The Monthly Intelligence Report is a subscription offer delivering a comprehensive monthly analysis of recent incidents, global hotspots and important security topics and threat developments. You can request a sample issue here with information on subscription packages:
The Risk Intelligence System is a digital risk assessment and planning tool, providing valid, actionable intelligence to any fleet, on land, in port or at sea, 24/7. To experience the System in the context of your operations, request a demo or a free trial now: