• Journal of the Korean Society of Marine Environment & Safety
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.829-833
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• 2017

Recently, pirate incidents involving passing ships have been continuously occurring in the seas southwest of the Philippines, the Sulu Sea and the Celebes Sea. Pirates in these areas are members of the "Abu Sayyaf Group", which consists of Islamic armed rebels. They have abducted and confined 59 ship crews over the last 13 months to obtain money for group operations. The activities of these pirates, abducting and killing crews, have became a significant threat for marine security in the Sulu and Celebes Seas and for logistic activities in Asia. This study examines and analyzes 22 recent incidents in terms of ships gross tonnage, kind, nationality, incident time, location, etc. The identity of the Abu Sayyaf Group, which has been committing this piracy and represents the de facto power behind the actors responsible, is also unpacked, along with current challenges to resolving these conflicts. Finally, responses passing ships, shipping companies, related countries and the international community should make are proposed.