ReCAAP ISC, Philippine Coast Guard hold meeting to boost safety, security in Sulu-Celebes area

ReCAAP ISC and its Philippines Focal Point, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) co-organised a two-day meeting in Manila to deepen cooperation and to enhance maritime safety and security in the Sulu-Celebes Seas.

The meeting brought together key littoral stakeholders including relevant government agencies in the Philippines, the Philippine shipping industry, the Indonesia Coast Guard (BAKAMLA), as well as members of the diplomatic community in Manila to review the current situation in the Sulu-Celebes Seas, take stock of past and current efforts to improve maritime safety and security, and explore ways to further deepen cooperation for the freedom of maritime transport and the safety of seafarers.

ReCAAP ISC will continue to support the efforts of PCG as well as other stakeholders through its mission of sharing timely and accurate information, building the capacity of regional authorities to effectively address maritime crimes, and foster cooperation between government agencies and the shipping industry in the shared fight against piracy and armed robbery against ships in Asia.

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According to ReCAAP ISC’s latest July monthly report, there was no report of actual or attempted incidents involving the abduction of crew from ships while underway in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off eastern Sabah in July 2018. The last actual incident reported to the ReCAAP ISC occurred on board Super Shuttle Tug 1 on March 23, 20 17.