Navies from the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia vow to strike back at Abu Sayyaf
The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have signed an agreement to tackle the spate of kidnappings in the Sulu and Celebes seas carried out by Philippine Islamist group Abu Sayyaf.
The joint patrol agreement was signed yesterday in Bali and allows the countries’ three navies to traverse national boundaries while chasing Abu Sayyaf. The three navies have already started joint patrols – yesterday’s agreement extends that cooperation.
Abu Sayyaf have taken more than 25 seafarers hostage this year, generally targeting tugs and barges.
“Implementation of the agreement must be conducted as soon as possible due to the high intensity of threats, such as the hostage-taking of several Indonesians by militant groups,” said Indonesia’s defense minister Ryamizard Ryacudu.
Further discussions between the three nations’ defence ministers is going on today. On the agenda is a possible designated security corridor.
