Philippines urged to crack down on Abu Sayyaf
Malaysia and Indonesia are working to improve security in the Sulu Sea and calling on the Philippines to take tougher actions against the Islam extremist group Abu Sayyaf.
Philippine Navy SEAL officers at a military practice. (Photo: wikipedia.org)Kuala Lumpur (VNA) - Malaysia and Indonesia are working to improve security in the Sulu Sea and calling on the Philippines to take tougher actions against the Islam extremist group Abu Sayyaf, which was responsible for a number of recent kidnappings for ransom.
According to The Star, a Malaysian newspaper, Malaysian Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Anifah Aman said he and his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi want to meet the incoming Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Rodrigo Dutarte after his inauguration.
At a press conference on June 25, Anifah stated the urgent meeting could take place in one of the three countries involved.
He stressed that the Philippine military forces have secured “limited success” in dealing with the militant group and pointed to a puzzle of how the three countries should work together in the fight against Abu Sayyaf.
Both Malaysia and Indonesia voiced concern over the increasing of frequency in abductions targeting merchant shipping carried out by Abu Sayyaf. These kidnappings took place at international waters but still provoked fear among visitors to Sabah, a tourism destination in Malaysia.
On June 24, the Indonesia Ministry of Transport announced a ban to the country’s vessels from sailing to the Philippines after seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped in the southern Philippines waters earlier last week.
On June 26, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said he could be open to talks with the Islamic group and highlighted an all-out fight if they refuse to negotiate.
Founded in the early 1990s, Abu Sayyaf is a network of some 400 Islamic militants, carrying out bombings, kidnappings and the beheading of hostages. It has become a serious threat for security in the Philippines and was held responsibility for the worst attacks here, including a ferry bombing case that killed 100 people in 2004.-VNA
You should also see
InfographicCommemoration of Hung Kings - Gathering the spirit of patriotism
The Commemoration of the Hung Kings and the Hung Kings Temple Festival are among the most important festivals of the year for Vietnamese people. The worship of the Hung Kings is not only part of the cultural identity of the Vietnamese community but has also transcended national boundaries to become an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
See more
ASEAN
Malaysia issues heatwave alert for 14 areas
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) has issued hot weather warnings for 14 areas across the country, particularly in the states of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan, Sarawak and Sabah.
World
China, Thailand forge alliance for moon exploration
China and Thailand have inked preliminary agreements to collaborate on the peaceful exploration and use of space, as well as on the development of international lunar research stations.
World
MICHELIN Guide Thailand expands to Chon Buri
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced an exciting expansion for the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2025, which will now include Chon Buri province.
World
Malaysian airlines to charge carbon levy soon
Malaysia is gearing up for greener skies once the carbon levy collection by the airlines comes into effect as soon as the Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) makes the necessary review, according to Assoc Prof Major Dr Mohd Harridon Mohamed Suffian, an aviation and aerospace expert.
ASEAN
India boosts maritime cooperation with ASEAN member states
Indian Coast Guard (ICG)’s Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) Samudra Paheredar arrived at Muara, Brunei, on April 9 as part of its ongoing overseas deployment to ASEAN countries.
