Insights

7 loggers beheaded by ASG militants

On 31 July, Filipino authorities confirmed that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) militants beheaded seven Filipino loggers who were kidnapped at gunpoint from Maluso, Basilan province on 20 July. The victims’ bodies were discovered in Basilan’s Lantawan municipality late on 30 July.

Whilst Islamic State linked-ASG do not have a heavy presence in large mainland cities, such as Manila, the ISIS aligned terrorist group operate with some force on islands off the mainland Philippines, patrolling Filipino waters and kidnapping people for ransom. The areas of Mindanao, the Sulu Archipelago and the Zamboanga Peninsula are all considered to be extremely dangerous and travellers are advised not to go there. ASG frequently behead their kidnap victims. On 5 July, local media sources reported that ASG had beheaded two kidnapped Vietnamese sailors on the island of Basilan. On the 13 July, local media further reported that ASG had shot dead one of the Vietnamese sailors who was kidnapped from the Giang Hai in February 2017. The latest incident is further evidence that ASG have the intent and capability to continue to kidnap and kill.

Those operating or residing in the Philippines are advised to be aware of the threat of kidnapping and terrorism and to avoid travelling to the above-mentioned areas. Contract a reliable local security escort for purposes of business and critical travel.