Another sea jacking in Tawi-Tawi foiled

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (February 24, 2017)– Another sea jacking attempt by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Tawi-Tawi thwarted when patrolling navy ships responded on the distress call from MV Dong Hae Star, officials said Wedsnesday morning.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) Spokesman Lt. Jose F. Covarrubias Jr said MV Dong Hae Star, a Panamanian flag ship transiting the Sulu Sea from China to Indonesia, reported to Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) Bongao that suspicious black speedboats with 5 persons each on board was pursuing them in sea waters off Pearl Bank.

According to said MV, the suspicious speedboats desist from chasing them and maneuvered to open sea upon sighting responding navy ships, Covarrubias added.

LMS Bongao continued to monitor said vessel while transiting in Tawi-Tawi. Navy ships under JTF Tawi-Tawi also continue to patrol the area.

The Commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Rear Adm. Rene Medina had deployed additional vessels to JTF Tawi-Tawi and Sulu for maritime interdiction and to support the law enforcement operations in the area.

The AFP condemns the abduction perpetrated by these criminal groups who continuously compromise the peace and order in Western Mindanao.