The International Chamber of Commerce, Commercial Crime Services, reports on their Live Piracy and Armed Robbery Report, that two fishing vessels with crews of 16 were approached and boarded by armed persons, whilst on route from Tambisan to Semporna, Sabah close to the Tawi Tawi chain of islands in southern Philippines.

10 crew members were taken hostage by the armed kidnappers.

The local authorities were notified.

9 of the kidnapped members of the crew were released on 21.06.2019 but one remains held hostage.

Local media speculates that the kidnappers are Abu Sayyaf-linked.