Islamist Insurgency Update: Abu Sayyaf Group Allegedly Attempts to Enter Sabah; Troops Recover Maute War Materials in Lanao del Sur
December 13, 2022
In a statement, Sabah police commissioner Datuk Idris Abdullah disclosed that, “Our intelligence sources found that [Kidnap-for-Ransom] groups as well as the Abu Sayyaf group were still attempting to enter the country’s waters and carry out kidnapping activities as well as other cross-border crimes.” The curfew covers areas up to three nautical miles off the districts of Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau. The residents in these areas must remain at home, while outsiders are not permitted to enter the curfew zones from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. However, individuals with permits from the local police will be allowed to conduct fishing activities or travel through the waters of the curfew-affected districts.
The curfew was first implemented on July 16, 2014, following the abduction and execution of several kidnap victims in Sabah.
Meanwhile, government security forces recovered several firearms, ammunition, and bomb-making components belonging to the Maute group in Marogong, Lanao del Sur on Saturday, December 10. Reports from local residents alerted troops regarding the presence of around 30 Maute members led by Faharudin Hadji Satar alias “Abu Zacariah” in the village of Bagumbayan which led to the recovery of the war materials. Some of the militants were reportedly remnants of the group who fought against government forces during the Marawi siege in 2017, while others were allegedly new and young recruits.
Following the Marawi siege, the Maute operates in small groups with 10 to 20 members. PSA sources have previously disclosed that the Maute group were building their efforts on recruitment rather than conducting attacks.
