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ASG seajacking attempt off Basilan coast foiled

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- Prompt response from her own crew and nearby naval units prevented Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits from attacking and boarding the container ship M/V Ocean Kingdom as it was passing off Sibago Island, Basilan on Tuesday afternoon.

Western Mindanao Command (WMC) spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said the incident took place 3:24 p.m.

He added that the M/V Ocean Kingdom, which was headed for Davao City after leaving Zamboanga City, when fired upon by six automatic rifle-armed ASG bandits aboard two motor boats.

Tan said the ship sustained gunshot holes in her port and starboard freeboard but fortunately not one of her crewmen was wounded.

Due to the vigilance of her crew and the prompt response of naval troops, the armed perpetrators aborted their attempt to seajack the vessel and retreated towards Moro Gulf.

"The Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command deployed naval vessels with the Naval Special Operations Unit in the area. Air assets were also deployed to conduct aerial reconnaissance and later on pre-positioned in the area as government forces continue to monitor transiting vessels at Basilan Strait and Zamboanga City waters," the WMC spokesperson said.

He added Joint Task Forces Zamboanga, Basilan, and Sulu were already alerted and directed to look out and pursue the perpetrators.

As of this posting, M/V Ocean Kingdom and its 27 crewmen have resumed their voyage to Davao City. (PNA)