Pirate attack Phillipines ?

[CaptWil]

The problem lies with the Php government itself and the rampant corruption, added to poverty are the driving factor behind all...

I am married to a wonderful Php lady and her family will not allow us to sail to the lower Philippines due to this ongoing situation. Furthermore I have the opportunity to open a tourism business in Palawan, and even there you are not safe....
Locals are helping these "ba...ds" with intel on when and where to strike...

Unless the new president elect gets the local Marines and the US Marines to strike majorly in the affected region, it will simply go on. You don't hear of Indonesian nationals being taken anymore after the Indon government was preparing to send their commandos into Mindano...

I say stop the pussy footing around and deal with these animals the way they deserve...

[daletournier]

Originally Posted by CaptWil

The problem lies with the Php government itself and the rampant corruption, added to poverty are the driving factor behind all...

I am married to a wonderful Php lady and her family will not allow us to sail to the lower Philippines due to this ongoing situation. Furthermore I have the opportunity to open a tourism business in Palawan, and even there you are not safe....
Locals are helping these "ba...ds" with intel on when and where to strike...

Unless the new president elect gets the local Marines and the US Marines to strike majorly in the affected region, it will simply go on. You don't hear of Indonesian nationals being taken anymore after the Indon government was preparing to send their commandos into Mindano...

I say stop the pussy footing around and deal with these animals the way they deserve...

Unfortunately I agree, I can't see any other way than force.

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[PeterLIA]

I agree with CaptWil because I also live in the Philippines and am loath to go into the Mindanao region which is now the only region of the Philippines I have not cruised in the last 5 years. Firm Government effort and will power is required to flush these people out because I cannot believe someone in authority is not complicit in all this. Maybe the new President Duterte who considers himself a tough law and order guy will make the difference once he is inaugurated.
Only time will tell.

[daletournier]

Hi Peter, we have met briefly once when I was up that way or maybe it was KK. I hope your thoughts on Duterte are correct. He sees himself as an inforcer, tuff guy, I hope that his pride and ego drive him to forcefully solve this issue. From what I see he made a big difference in Davao, although many despise his methods, I'm not judging.
Only time will tell.

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[Pelagic]

I think the perfect solution would be to lease for 200 years Jolo Island to the Chinease in return for them giving up territorial claims to the SC Sea

[PortClydeMe]

Originally Posted by HighTemp

Just finished watching some of the old SV Delos videos of when they stayed in Oceanview.

I watched that same video, and quickly realized they were headed for Oceanview by watching their chart plotter. I'm sure that they look back now and feel lucky. They were there in 2013, AFAIK.

Back in 2009, the wifey and I hung out for around 10 days enjoying scuba just off the northwest tip of Palawan. Never thought much about terrorists/piracy until we eyed a boat heading to a small island to pick up tourists from a resort. What caught our eye was the seven Philippine soldiers on the boat, all wearing green camo fatigues and brandish AK47s.

That's all we needed to see. We quickly got out of there, and have no plans on visiting the Philippines again any time soon.

[pbmaise]

From the Hall Family

"Our family, even in our darkest hour, agrees wholeheartedly with Canada's policy of not paying ransom," the Hall family said in a statement.

"We stand with the ideals that built this country; strength of character, resilience of spirit, and refusal to succumb to the demands of the wretched."


...........

Also in the paper is a report on the number of troops now involved in hunting Abu Sayyaf.

A total of 5,400 troops are now in Sulu. This build up has been due to the kidnapping of these four sailors.

...........

So what was the score for ASG when kidnapping Canadians?

Zero money from Canadians or the Canadian Government versus lost investment money spent on food, fuel, and arms.

Perhaps a few new recruits from publicity versus several thousand more troops hunting all ASG down.

..........

[Pelagic]

Another attack.

https://gcaptain.com/tugboat-crew-ki...in-the-region/

[Alii]

Another reported kidnapping of 5 crew members from a tug heading from Sandakan to Semporna, on Monday, July 18. At least the third kidnapping from moving vessels in the last 3 months. As far as I am aware, Abu Sayyef has kidnapped cruisers on 2 occasions: at anchor in SE Palaway, and in the Holiday Oceanview Marina near Davao. Any other known incidents against cruisers?

In the past 2 years most kidnappings have targeted waterfront tourist spots. Snatching from slow-moving vessels, not far offshore, appears to be the current trend.

[captainbri]

We all know what happened to the last group. Good luck. And I'm going down fighting I might die but I'm taking one of them with me

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[sneuman]

Originally Posted by Alii

Another reported kidnapping of 5 crew members from a tug heading from Sandakan to Semporna, on Monday, July 18. At least the third kidnapping from moving vessels in the last 3 months. As far as I am aware, Abu Sayyef has kidnapped cruisers on 2 occasions: at anchor in SE Palaway, and in the Holiday Oceanview Marina near Davao. Any other known incidents against cruisers?

In the past 2 years most kidnappings have targeted waterfront tourist spots. Snatching from slow-moving vessels, not far offshore, appears to be the current trend.

Palawan?

[Pelagic]

Before over reacting, it would be worth comparing the serious crime rate of Palawan to Chicago.
Large developers like Ayala are pouring Php Billions into developing tourist destinations in Palawan.
With this comes employment, opportunities and a local reason for solidarity towards crime

[underthesea]

Lived in the PI previously for many years. So many problems. You can blame it on corruption (at all levels) or you can blame it on the Spanish. Unfortunately if you do a check of Global IQ you'll find charts like this - https://iq-research.info/en/page/average-iq-by-country

Just above Tongo and below Kuwait.. With a stunning 86.. In the west that would put the entire country just above 'high functioning disabled' - so what else can you expect.

Add in the Spanish machismo attitude, Asian 'face' values, corruption, lack of education and nothing surprises me. I didn't have glass on top of my walls - instead I had 18' cement walls (with reinforced rebar the first 8' (so they couldn't tunnel through) - a 3' electric / alarm fence on top (solar), dogs, and CCTV and more...

I've lived in many impoverished countries (Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia etc) but no-where on earth have I felt more constant low level danger - when you ride down the street their eyes are always watching you to see what they can get off you.. Would kill you in a heartbeat if they knew what you had and they could get away with it.

Avoided the south like the plague.

Meh..

[sobraon]

It's been a while since I visited Cruising Forum and this thread.

We were very happy to be able to escape Samal Island in March.

So to correct the record on some of the previous post I'll update the situation.

The Marina Management did upgrade security after the attack. Within days the surrounds were fenced in barbed wire, towers were built in each of the outer corners and another inner gate was constructed. The security company that was guarding the marina was replaced. At least one of the guards was complicate in the abduction. The other real deterrent was the stationing of an armed Philippines Coast Guard boat in the Marina.
Whilst all these measures were put in place it still didn't guarantee safety. We were advised by Philippines Authorities to practice extreme caution when leaving the compound as we were easily identified and it was known that we were witnesses for the police case against the attackers.

There are only a few boats left in the marina that were there the night of the attack. Most, like us, have moved on as soon as the weather season permitted. New boats continue to arrive however, believing the marina to be safe.

Boats did not arm themselves. In fact had any of the boats had weapons the night of the attack little could have, or would have been done. The attackers had surprise, determination and automatic weapons on their side. We were right in the middle of the attack and it wasn't immediately obvious to us what was happening. Initially we thought it was simply a domestic dispute.

I know a lot of cruisers have stayed in the Philippines because of the easy, cheap and enjoyable lifestyle. For us that wasn't an option. The Philippines is a wonderful country, however, safety can not be guaranteed and the world has a lot of oceans that are just as enjoyable and very safe.

A lot of cruisers hang out in places like Bonbonon thinking that it is perfectly safe just as we had been lead to believe about Samal Island. I don't believe that to be the case, in fact Bonbonon is closer by sea to the troubled Sulu region that Samal Island is.

There has been some discussion as to whether the attackers are terrorists or thugs. That is a moot point. Dead is dead and trust me when automatic weapons and large knives are being brandished they instill terror into their intended victims. The Abu Sayaf Terrorists are both thugs and terrorists. They do what the do in the name of Allah and swear allegiance to ISIL. They demand ransoms to finance their campaigns.

We only went to Samal Island because every one had said how safe it was and it was out of the typhoon belt. We needed to haul out and it was the ideal place. That all changed 3 days after our arrival.

Since leaving we cruised north through the Philippines to Taiwan and Japan and are about to cross to South Korea. Now these countries are safe. The people are extremely friendly and the cruising so much more enjoyable and interesting. Sure it isn't as cheap all the time but cruising isn't always about the cost. Mind you we are currently sitting in a very new marina with power and water that is cheaper than what we paid at Samal Island Oceanview.

We still hear from our friends in the Philippines and a lot of them feel safe and happy. It obviously a personal choice. Just not our choice.

I don't think that comparing the risk to say Chicago is of any relevance. More people get killed by Vending Machines than sharks. I am still a lot happier to risk getting a drink from a machine that swimming with sharks. Chicago is a completely different scenario.

It is the risk assessment that every boat needs to do that is the issue. In Palawan the development is all in the North. Growing resentment to the rich will fester in the south and less privileged areas. The development of Oceanview didn't keep any of us safe, if anything it made us targets.

Of note only a very few yachts were attacked by Somali Pirates, however it certainly stopped a lot of circumnavigating boats in their tracks in Thailand. it isn't an over reaction to be cautious.

The Sulu region, Southern Midinao, Southern Palawan and the Northern Malaysian Borneo are extremely unpredictable areas because of the existence of muslim extremists. You just never know. The problem is if you are going to travel to the Philippines you are probably going to have to travel through at least 2 of these regions. Prior avoidance planning and extreme vigilance is prudent for any would be cruiser. Don't be complacent, you really do need to be aware and expect the worst, just as you would with weather planning.

We still check news sights for any word on the fate of our fellow cruiser Tjarten. Last notice was that the Abu Sayaf captors were going to execute him. Nothing has been posted so we just don't know.

Keep him in your thoughts.

[Pelagic]

Good post Sobraon and I agree it is a personal choice of risk assessment.

Unfortunately, we only hear of the worst events, be it Chicago, Mass shootings, kidnappings or cult leaders gassing subways.

There can be craziness everywhere and one can only avoid by staying in bed and hiding under the covers.

I am very comfortable swimming with sharks but nervous amongst large crowds in Malls or stadiums.
Middle of the ocean, I am at peace, while others are nervous about storms.

After a lifetime of cruising, I assess, look into the eyes of locals, enjoy but stay low key and vague about plans,

Keeping my back to a wall and checking entrances is a 2nd nature habit that I do everywhere without even being aware I'm doing it.

My point is that risk is everywhere..... but certain communities, not just the whole country.....carry the higher risk and deserve far more care and vigilance.