Korean-Flagged Ship, Crew Taken by ASG Bandits Off Tawi-Tawi

Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi units are now tracking down a Korean flagged-ship believed to be boarded and taken away by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits off Bongao, Thursday.

Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said an estimated 10 bandits attacked the M/V Dong Bang Giant, skippered by Capt. Park Chul Hong, as it was passing the waters of Bongao.

Tan said the ASG members were aboard a speed boat and headed by one Jul Hassan.

Both the ship and its crew were taken away in a still undisclosed destination.

Reports disclosed that the perpetrators are alleged followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Idang Susukan based in Sulu.

“Validation and intelligence monitoring are currently being conducted by the military in coordination with local chief executives and the locals to track down the perpetrators and safely rescue the victims,” Tan said. (PNA) FPV/PFN