Kota Kinabalu: While there was a significant decline and zero incidence of kidnap-for-ransom incidents by the Abu Sayyaf Group since January 2020, efforts must continue to ensure the presence of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines in Sulu and Celebes Seas.The three neighbour countries must sustain security cooperation in the areas so lawless elements responsible for cross-border crimes will not recur.
“Such security measures at the Sulu and Celebes Seas is vital to ensure that lawless elements responsible for kidnapping and piracy will not make a comeback in the maritime areas of common concerns (MCCs),” said the Department of National Defence (DND) of the Philippines.
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