Illustraive photo (Source: philippineslifestyle.com) Hanoi (VNA) – Navy boats and air forcehelicopters of the Philippines have foiled a seajacking attempt on a cargovessel in Sulusea off the southern province of Zamboanga del Norte, the Philippinemilitary reportedon April 19.
On April 18, the cargo vessel with 21 crew members, whichwas in waters off Sioconen route from Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte to Zamboangacity,made a SOS call and reported that three motorisedboatscarrying armed men seemedto be attacking them and attempting to board their vessel.
The Western Mindanao Command said they immediatelydirected all naval ships patrolling the area to proceed to the last reportedlocation, while two air force helicopters were also deployed to fly over thereported area.
The motorboats promptly left the area upon sensing thearrival of the navy ships and helicopters.
ThePhilippine naval forces are ready to render necessaryassistance to deter seajacking and abduction at seas, said Rear Adm. Rene V.Medina, commander of the Western Mindanao Naval Forces.
On Feb. 22, 2017, Philippine naval ships foiled an attemptto seajack a vessel by suspected Abu Sayyaf group in Tawi-Tawi. The Islamicrebel group, whichwas formed in the 1990s with about 400 gunmen operating in southernPhilippines currently, has been well-known for kidnapping, bombing andexecution of hostages.
Philippines President Rodrigo Dutertedirected the army tohunt for Abu Sayyaf gunners and announced that he has no plan for a peace dealwith the group.-VNA
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