Suspected Abu Sayyaf fails to seajack cargo vessel in Basilan

ISABELA CITY, Philippines — Suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group tried to seajack a cargo vessel off Sibago Island in Basilan but scampered after detecting that the ships’ captain made a distress call.

On February 17, 2018, MV Kudos 1 was sailing towards Davao City to deliver its cargo when an undetermined number of armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf started to climb the ship but crew members managed to pour hot water while the ship’s captain made a distress call to the authorities.

The Western Mindanao Command said it received a distress call from the Presidential Management Staff and other government agencies who sought their assistance over an attempt to seajack Marine Vessel Kudos, a Philippine flagged cargo vessel at the vicinity of Coco and Sibago islands in Basilan at past 10pm.”

In a press statement, WestMinCom said it activated the Anti-Kidnaping Joint Task Force under Rear Admiral Rene Medina, Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao who at once deployed for maritime interdiction five Navy vessels with elements towards the targeted area.”

Two crew members were reportedly injured in the attack.

After the suspected Abu Sayyaf militants strafed the vessel after the failed seajack attempt.

The bandits are believed hiding In Sibago Island or from Hajji Mohammed Ajul town.

The WestMinCom said that the incident “manifest that our response system works and proves to be effective in thwarting sea-jacking attempts as long as it is reported early to the authorities.” All other coast guard and navy vessels are in the vicinity to continue its maritime patrol and pursuit operations.-Richard G. Falcatan/Newsline.ph