Editing Abu Sayyaf (section)

==Crimes and terrorism==
{{For timeline|Timeline of Abu Sayyaf attacks}}
Abu Sayyaf has carried out numerous [[bombing]]s, [[kidnapping]]s, assassinations, and [[extortion]] activities.<ref name="banlaoi"/> These include the [[2000 Sipadan kidnappings]], the 2001 [[Dos Palmas kidnappings]] and the [[2004 SuperFerry 14 bombing]].

===Kidnappings===
Although the group has engaged in kidnapping hostages to be exchanged for ransom for many years, this means of funding grew dramatically beginning in 2014, providing funds for the group's rapid growth.<ref name="HookwayRansomTerror">{{cite news|last1=Hookway|first1=James|title=Terror Grows in Southern Philippines From Militants Linked to Islamic State Kidnappings, beheadings by Abu Sayyaf raise fears of expanding terror threat in Southeast Asia|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/terror-grows-in-southern-philippines-from-militants-linked-to-islamic-state-1479465005|access-date=November 20, 2016|newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]]|date=November 18, 2016}}</ref>

====In the Philippines====

=====Journalists abducted since 2000=====
[[ABS–CBN Corporation|ABS-CBN]]'s ''Newsbreak'' reported that Abu Sayyaf abducted at least 20 journalists from 2000 to 2008 (mostly foreign journalists). All of them were eventually released upon payment of [[ransom]].
 
*[[GMA Network|GMA-7]] television reporter [[Susan Enriquez]] (April 2000, [[Basilan]], a few days);
* 10 Foreign journalists (7 German, 1 French, 1 Australian and 1 Danish, in May 2000, [[Jolo]], for 10 hours);
* German Andreas Lorenz of the magazine ''[[Der Spiegel]]'' (July 2000, Jolo, for 25 days; he was also kidnapped in May);
* French television reporter Maryse Burgot and cameraman Jean-Jacques Le Garrec and sound technician Roland Madura (July 2000, Jolo, for 2 months);
* ABS-CBN television reporter Maan Macapagal and cameraman Val Cuenca<ref>{{cite news |url=https://cpj.org/2000/07/muslim-militants-abduct-two-filipino-journalists-f.php |title=Muslim militants abduct two Filipino journalists; four kidnapped foreign journalists still in captivity |date=July 24, 2000 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |work=[[Committee to Protect Journalists]]}}</ref> (July 2000, Jolo, for 4 days);<ref>{{cite news |url=https://cmfr-phil.org/uncategorized/three-journalists-abducted-by-terrorist-group/ |title=Three journalists abducted by terrorist group |date=June 9, 2008 |access-date=June 21, 2019 |work=[[Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204020843/http://cmfr-phil.org/uncategorized/three-journalists-abducted-by-terrorist-group/ |archive-date=December 4, 2018 }}</ref>
*[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] contributor and Net 25 television reporter Arlyn de la Cruz (January 2002, [[Zamboanga City|Zamboanga]], for 3 months)
* GMA-7 television reporter Carlo Lorenzo and cameraman Gilbert Ordiales (September 2002, Jolo, for 6 days).<ref>{{cite web |last1=Fonbuena |first1=Carmela |last2=Aguilar |first2=Jenny |date=2008-12-06 |title=Abu Sayyaf abducted 20 journalists since 2000 |url=http://rp3.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/12/08/abu-sayyaf-abducted-20-journalists-2000 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402115106/http://rp3.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/12/08/abu-sayyaf-abducted-20-journalists-2000 |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |publisher=Rp3.abs-cbnnews.com}}</ref>
* Filipino [[Ces Drilon]] and news cameramen Jimmy Encarnacion and Angelo Valderrama released unharmed after ransom paid (June 2008 [[Maimbung, Sulu]] for 9 days; See [[2008 Maimbung kidnappings]]).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2009-01-16/former-jail-guard-linked-to-kidnap-of-red-cross/268222|title=Former jail guard linked to kidnap of Red Cross team in Philippines|work=ABC News Australia|date=January 16, 2009|access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref>
* Jordanian TV journalist Baker Atyani and his two Filipino crews were kidnapped in June 2012 by the Abu Sayyaf militants they had sought to interview in the jungles of [[Sulu]] province. The two crew were freed in February 2013. [[Al Arabiya]] News Channel stated that their correspondent, Atyani, was handed over to the local governor's office on December 4, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/05/1264474/updated-abu-sayyaf-releases-jordanian-journalist|title=Abu Sayyaf releases Jordanian journalist|work=The Philippine Star|date=December 5, 2013|access-date=February 2, 2018}}</ref> However, police and military officials could not ascertain whether Atyani had escaped from his captors or was freed.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cayabyab |first=Marc Jayson |date=December 5, 2013 |title=Jordanian journalist Atyani escaped from Abu Sayyaf —report |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/338455/jordanian-journalist-atyani-escaped-from-abu-sayyaf-report/story/ |access-date=February 2, 2018 |publisher=GMA News}}</ref>

=====Jeffrey Schilling=====
On August 31, 2000, American citizen and Muslim convert Jeffrey Schilling from [[Oakland, California]], was captured on [[Jolo]] while visiting a terrorist camp with his new wife, Ivy Osani (a cousin of Abu Sabaya, one of the rebel leaders), whom he had met online. ASG demanded a $10&nbsp;million ransom. Rebels also sarcastically threatened to behead him in 2001 as a "birthday present" to then Philippine President [[Gloria Macapagal Arroyo]], who responded by declaring "all-out war" on them. The beheading threat was withdrawn after Schilling's mother, Carol, flew to the Philippines and appealed for mercy on local radio. On April 12, 2001, Philippine soldiers raided a rebel camp and rescued the American. The United States praised the Philippine government for freeing Schilling.<ref name="Chicago Tribune">{{cite news |last=Paddock |first=Richard C. |date=April 13, 2001 |title=Philippine Soldiers Rescue U.s. Hostage |work=Chicago Tribune |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2001/04/13/philippine-soldiers-rescue-us-hostage/ |access-date=February 4, 2018 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180204000239/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2001-04-13/news/0104130152_1_abu-sayyaf-ivy-osani-american-hostage-jeffrey-schilling |archive-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/us-hostage-freed-in-philippines/ |work=CBS News |date=April 12, 2001 |title=US Hostage Freed in Philippines |access-date=May 2, 2008 |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202013154/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2001/04/02/world/main283170.shtml }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://transcripts.cnn.com/show/bn/date/2002-07-23/segment/01 |title=Larry Thompson, Deputy Attorney General (Live Transcript) |date=July 23, 2002 |publisher=CNN}}</ref>

Many commentators have been critical of Schilling, who claims to have walked willingly into the camp after he was invited by his wife's cousin, a member of Abu Sayyaf.<ref>{{cite news |author=Johnson |first=Chip |date=April 14, 2001 |title=What Was Schilling Thinking? Oblivious Oakland Man Sets Himself Up |work=San Francisco Chronicle |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2001/04/14/MNE165246.DTL}}</ref>

Schilling was one of more than 40 hostages taken by Abu Sayyaf in 2000, including 21 tourists and workers seized in a raid on [[#2000 Sipadan kidnappings|Sipadan]] diving resort in neighboring Malaysia. Many of the hostages were released after Libya paid millions of dollars. A Libyan official stated that Schilling had visited the Jolo camp often before his capture. Philippine intelligence sources say he was interested in selling military equipment to the rebels, while the bandits accused him of being a CIA agent. Abu Sayyaf threatened several times to kill Schilling. At one stage, Schilling reportedly went on a hunger strike to win his freedom.<ref name="Chicago Tribune"/>

=====Martin and Gracia Burnham=====
{{See also|Dos Palmas kidnappings}}
On May 27, 2001, an Abu Sayyaf raid kidnapped about 20 people from Dos Palmas, an expensive resort in Honda Bay, taking them to the north of [[Puerto Princesa City]] on the island of [[Palawan]], which had been "considered completely safe". The most "valuable" hostages were three North Americans, Martin and Gracia Burnham, a [[missionary]] couple, and Guillermo Sobero, a Peruvian-American tourist who was later [[Decapitation|beheaded]], following a $1&nbsp;million [[ransom]] demand.<ref>{{cite web |last=Nery |first=John |date=December 6, 2008 |title=Newsstand: Gracia's enemies |url=http://newsstand.blogs.com/newsstand/2007/01/turns_out_abu_s.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206072229/http://newsstand.blogs.com/newsstand/2007/01/turns_out_abu_s.html |archive-date=December 6, 2008}}</ref> The hostages and hostage-takers then returned to Abu Sayyaf territories in Mindanao.<ref name=Bowden2007p54>"Manhunt" by Mark Bowden, ''The Atlantic'', March 2007, p.54 (15)</ref><ref name="Bowden">{{Cite web |last=Bowden |first=Mark |date=2007-03-01 |title=Jihadists in Paradise |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2007/03/jihadists-in-paradise/305613/ |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=The Atlantic |language=en}}</ref> According to Bowden, the leader of the raid was Abu Sabaya. According to [[Gracia Burnham]], she told her husband "to identify his kidnappers" to authorities "as 'the Osama bin Laden Group,' but Burnham was unfamiliar with that name and stuck with" Abu Sayyaf. After returning to Mindanao, Abu Sayyaf conducted numerous raids, including one that culminated in the [[Siege of Lamitan]] and "one at a coconut plantation called Golden Harvest; they took about 15 people captive there and later used [[bolo knife|bolo knives]] to hack the heads off two men. The number of hostages waxed and waned as some were ransomed and released, new ones were taken and others were killed."<ref name=Bowden2007p54 /><ref name="Bowden"/>

On June 7, 2002, about a year after the raid, Philippine army troops conducted a rescue operation in which Martin Burnham and Filipino nurse Ediborah Yap were killed. The remaining hostage was wounded and the hostage takers escaped. In July 2004, Gracia Burnham [[Testimony|testified]] at a trial of eight Abu Sayyaf members and identified six of the suspects as her captors, including Alhamzer Limbong, Abdul Azan Diamla, Abu Khari Moctar, Bas Ishmael, Alzen Jandul, and Dazid Baize. "The eight suspects sat silently during her three-hour testimony, separated from her by a wooden grill. They face the death sentence if found guilty of kidnapping for ransom. The trial began this year and is not expected to end for several months."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.graciaburnham.org/pdf/Article_7-30-04.pdf |title=Burham identifies former Abu Captors |access-date=April 3, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051203025534/http://www.graciaburnham.org/pdf/Article_7-30-04.pdf |archive-date=December 3, 2005 }}</ref> Alhamzer Limbong was later killed in a [[Prison riot|prison uprising]].<ref>"[http://www.graciaburnham.org/index.asp?sec=3_1 Philippines Brace for Retaliation] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100509081455/http://www.graciaburnham.org/index.asp?sec=3_1 |date=9 May 2010 }}" March 15, 2005, Associated Press.</ref> Burnham claimed that Philippine military officials were colluding with her captors, saying that the Armed Forces of the Philippines "didn't pursue us&nbsp;... As time went on, we noticed that they never pursued us".<ref>{{Cite book |last=Gracia |first=Burnham |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/911195836 |title=In the presence of my enemies |date=February 27, 2012 |publisher=Tyndale House Publishers |isbn=978-1-4143-5863-5 |oclc=911195836}}</ref>

=====2007 Father Bossi kidnapping=====
On June 10, 2007, Italian priest Reverend Giancarlo Bossi was kidnapped near [[Pagadian]], capital of [[Zamboanga del Sur]] Province in the southern Philippines. [[Pope Benedict XVI]] made an appeal to free him. Bossi was released on July 19, 2007, at Karumatan, a Muslim town in [[Lanao del Norte]] Province, allegedly after the payment of ransom. Father Bossi died in Italy on September 23, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Conde |first=Carlos H. |date=July 20, 2007 |title=Kidnapped Italian priest is freed in Philippines |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/20/world/europe/20iht-phils.1.6746806.html |access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/275293/italian-priest-giancarlo-bossi-former-kidnap-victim-in-mindanao-dies/story/|title=Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi, former kidnap victim in Mindanao, dies|work=GMA online|date=September 24, 2012|access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref>

In December 2020, Samad Awang, alias Ahmad Jamal, of the Abdussalam kidnap-for-ransom group was killed in a firefight with government troops in Zamboanga City. Awang was reportedly involved in the kidnapping of Italian missionary Fr. Giancarlo Bossi in 2007, businessman Joel Endino in 2011, and teacher Kathy Kasipong in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Reyes |first=Victor |date=December 11, 2020 |title=Sub-leader of kidnap group linked to Abu killed in Zambo |work=Malaya Business Insight |url=https://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news_news/sub-leader-of-kidnap-group-linked-to-abu-killed-in-zambo/ |access-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-date=December 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211050355/https://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news_news/sub-leader-of-kidnap-group-linked-to-abu-killed-in-zambo/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=====2009 Red Cross kidnapping=====
On January 15, 2009, Abu Sayyaf kidnapped [[International Committee of the Red Cross]] (ICRC) delegates in [[Patikul, Sulu|Patikul]], Sulu Province, Philippines. Three ICRC workers had finished conducting fieldwork in Sulu province, located in the southwest of the country when they were abducted by an unknown group, later confirmed as [[Albader Parad]]'s group.<ref>{{cite news |first=Julie |last=Alipala |title=3 Red Cross kidnap victims alive, safe |date=January 17, 2009 |access-date=March 31, 2009 |url=http://www.inquirer.net/specialreports/redcrossabduction/view.php?db=1&article=20090117-183958 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829223037/http://www.inquirer.net/specialreports/redcrossabduction/view.php?db=1&article=20090117-183958 |archive-date=August 29, 2012 }}</ref> All three were eventually released. According to a CNN story, Parad was reportedly killed, along with five other militants, in an assault by Philippine marines in Sulu province on Sunday, February 21, 2010.

=====2009 Irish priest kidnapping=====
On October 11, 2009, Irish Catholic missionary Michael Sinnott, aged 79, from [[Barntown]] [[County Wexford]] was kidnapped from a gated compound in [[Pagadian]], the capital of [[Zamboanga del Sur]] province, suspected to be part of ASG and some renegade members of MILF. Six kidnappers forced the priest into a mini-van and drove towards Sta. Lucia (district), where they transferred to a boat. Sinnott had a heart condition and was without medication when abducted. In early November, a demand for $US2&nbsp;million ransom was made. On November 11, 2009, Father Sinnott was released in [[Zamboanga City]]. The Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland) claimed that no ransom was paid by the Irish Government.<ref>{{cite news |last=See |first=Aie Balagtas |date=October 12, 2009 |title=Gunmen seize Irish priest in Pagadian City |work=GMA Online |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/174394/gunmen-seize-irish-priest-in-pagadian-city/story/ |access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/nov/11/kidnapped-priest-michael-sinnott-freed|title=Kidnapped Irish priest Michael Sinnott freed in Philippines|work=The Guardian|date=November 12, 2009|access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Uy |first=Jocelyn R. |date=July 19, 2012 |title=Irish priest who survived kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf returning to native land |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/44787/irish-priest-who-survived-kidnapping-by-abu-sayyaf-returning-to-native-land |access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/news/2009/1111/124112-sinnottm/|title=Fr Michael Sinnott freed|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|date=November 12, 2009|access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref>

=====2010 Japanese treasure hunter=====
On July 16, 2010, Japanese national Toshio Ito was kidnapped from [[Pangutaran, Sulu]]. At one point, the Philippine police believed the "treasure hunter", a Muslim convert also known by his Muslim name Mamaito Katayama, was acting as a cook for Abu Sayyaf; however, this was disputed by other nations, including the United States, which included him on its list of kidnap victims. A classified document obtained by [[Rappler]] lists Ito first, saying he was held captive by Abu Sayyaf's most senior leader, Radullan Sahiron, in Langpas, [[Indanan, Sulu]] early in 2013.<ref>{{cite news |last=Ressa |first=Maria Angelita |author-link=Maria Ressa |date=August 22, 2013 |title=The men Rodwell leaves behind with the Abu Sayyaf |work=Rappler |url=https://www.rappler.com/thought-leaders/24580-the-men-rodwell-leaves-behind-with-the-abu-sayyaf |access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Alipala |first=Julie S. |date=March 21, 2012 |title=Japanese still a hostage, not Abu Sayyaf cook, academics say |work=Inquirer Mindanao |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/165123/japanese-still-a-hostage-not-abu-sayyaf-cook-academics-say |access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref>

=====2011 Malaysian gecko trader=====
On May 8, 2011, Malaysian [[gecko]] trader Mohammad Nasauddin Bin Saidin was kidnapped while hunting for gecko (tuko) in [[Indanan, Sulu]]. Saidin was freed on May 12, 2012.<ref>{{cite news |last=Vargas |first=Anthony |date=May 18, 2012 |title=Kidnapped Malaysian gecko trader freed in Sulu village |work=[[The Manila Times]] |url=https://www.pressreader.com/philippines/manila-times/20120518/281698316783318 |access-date=February 4, 2018 |via=PressReader}}</ref>

=====2011 Indian national kidnapping=====
On June 22, 2011, Indian national Biju Kolara Veetil was captured by four armed men while visiting his wife's relatives on the island of [[Jolo]]. A$10&nbsp;million ransom was demanded. Veetil later denied that he was released in August 2012 because he had converted to Islam during captivity.<ref>{{cite news|url= http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/17453/indian-man-kidnapped-in-philippines%E2%80%94police|title=Indian man kidnapped in Philippines—police|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=June 23, 2011|access-date=February 8, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Karun |first=Shenoy |date=August 12, 2012 |title=Escaped Biju Kolara Veetil recounts Philippines horror |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Escaped-Biju-Kolara-Veetil-recounts-Philippines-horror/articleshow/15453267.cms |access-date=February 8, 2018}}</ref>

=====Warren Rodwell=====
[[File:Warren R Rodwell.jpg|thumb|right|Survivor Warren Rodwell (2010) prior to abduction by Abu Sayyaf]]
Warren Richard Rodwell, a former [[Australian Army]] soldier and university English teacher,<ref>{{Cite book |last=East |first=Bob |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/897070716 |title=472 days captive of the Abu Sayyaf : the survival of Australian Warren Rodwell |date=2015 |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |isbn=978-1-4438-7171-6 |location=Newcastle upon Tyne |oclc=897070716}}</ref> was shot through the right hand when seized<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/world/asia/kidnapped-australian-is-freed-in-southern-philippines.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220101/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/24/world/asia/kidnapped-australian-is-freed-in-southern-philippines.html |archive-date=January 1, 2022 |url-access=limited|work=The New York Times |first=Floyd | last=Whaley |title=Kidnapped Australian Is Freed in Southern Philippines|date=March 23, 2013}}{{cbignore}}</ref> from his home at Ipil, [[Zamboanga Sibugay]] on the island of [[Mindanao]] in the southern Philippines on December 5, 2011<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sommer |first=Belinda |date=2014-08-17 |title=Hostage survivor sheds light on 472-day ordeal |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-08-17/hostage-survivor-sheds-light-on-472-day-ordeal/5675142 |access-date=2023-03-26}}</ref> by ASG militants.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-21908572|title=Abu Sayyaf release Australian hostage Warren Rodwell|work=BBC News|access-date=November 13, 2014|date=March 23, 2013}}</ref> Rodwell later had to have a finger amputated.<ref>{{cite news |last=Rodwell |first=Warren |date=October 11, 2014 |title=Warren Rodwell tells of how he survived as a hostage in the Philippines – News Corp Online |work=News.com.au Online |editor-last=Shorten |editor-first=Kristin |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/warren-rodwell-tells-of-how-he-survived-as-a-hostage-in-the-philippines/story-fncynjr2-1227086662367 |access-date=December 23, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141118144106/http://www.news.com.au/national/warren-rodwell-tells-of-how-he-survived-as-a-hostage-in-the-philippines/story-fncynjr2-1227086662367 |archive-date=November 18, 2014}}</ref> ASG threatened to behead Rodwell<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/national/hours-from-being-beheaded-hostage-warren-rodwell-is-coming-home-to-australia/story-fncvk70o-1226604508704|title=Hours from being beheaded, hostage Warren Rodwell is coming home to Australia|work=The Daily Telegraph March 24, 2013|access-date=February 26, 2015}}</ref> if their $US2&nbsp;million ransom demand was not met.<ref>[[Portal:Current events/2012 January 5]]</ref> Both the Australian and Philippine governments had strict policies against paying ransoms.<ref>{{cite web |last=Alipala |first=Julie S. |date=March 24, 2013 |title=Abu Sayyaf bandits free Aussie for P7M |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/69947/abu-sayyaf-bandits-free-aussie-for-p7m/ |access-date=February 24, 2015 |work=Global Nation Inquirer March 24, 2013}}</ref> Australia formed a multi-agency task force to liaise with Rodwell's family and assist Philippine authorities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Murdoch |first1=Lindsay |last2=Jacinto |first2=Al |title=Kidnappers send photos showing Rodwell still alive |work=Sydney Morning Herald January 3, 2012 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/kidnappers-send-photos-showing-rodwell-still-alive-20120102-1pieg.html |access-date=February 24, 2015}}</ref> A news blackout was imposed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Murdoch |first=Lindsay |date=December 12, 2011 |title=Kidnap blackout unwise: expert |work=Sydney Morning Herald December 12, 2011 |url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/kidnap-blackout-unwise-expert-20111211-1oprq.html |url-status=live |url-access=registration |access-date=February 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801140317/https://www.smh.com.au/national/kidnap-blackout-unwise-expert-20111211-1oprq.html |archive-date=1 August 2022}}</ref> Filipino politicians helped negotiate the release.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last1=Murdoch |first1=Lindsay |last2=Jacinto |first2=Al |date=2013-03-22 |title=Kidnapped Australian Warren Rodwell freed by Philippines terrorists after 15 months |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/kidnapped-australian-warren-rodwell-freed-by-philippines-terrorists-after-15-months-20130323-2gm30.html |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209140434/https://www.smh.com.au/world/kidnapped-australian-warren-rodwell-freed-by-philippines-terrorists-after-15-months-20130323-2gm30.html |archive-date=9 December 2022 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> After the payment of $AUD94,000<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/national/former-philippines-terrorist-hostage-warren-rodwells-family-joy/story-fncynjr2-1226605491248|title=Freed hostage Warren Rodwell says he is overwhelmed and grateful for support|work=NewsComAu|access-date=July 18, 2015|date=March 26, 2013|archive-date=August 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150816200319/http://www.news.com.au/national/former-philippines-terrorist-hostage-warren-rodwells-family-joy/story-fncynjr2-1226605491248}}</ref> for "board and lodging" expenses<ref name=":3" /> by his siblings, Rodwell was released on March 23, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/472-days-in-captivity/x2mfhai?cpkey=d977c3f7-ec0b-4b03-a871-c20bd9b36189%257c%257c%257c%257c|title=Video – msn Australia, with Outlook.com, Skype, and news|publisher=MSN|access-date=November 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115726/http://video.au.msn.com/watch/video/472-days-in-captivity/x2mfhai?cpkey=d977c3f7-ec0b-4b03-a871-c20bd9b36189%257c%257c%257c%257c|archive-date=August 26, 2014}}</ref>

======Arrests and killings======
On June 16, 2014, suspects Jimmy Nurilla (alias Doc) and Bakrin Haris were arrested. Both reportedly worked under Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf leader Khair Mundos and Furuji Indama.<ref>{{cite news |author=Jocson |first=Liza |date=June 18, 2014 |title=2 suspected Abu Sayyaf men believed to belong to bandits' notorious faction |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/612248/2-suspected-abu-sayyaf-men-believed-to-belong-to-bandits-notorious-faction |access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref> Authorities believed Nurilla and Haris took part in the Rodwell kidnapping, as well as the separate abduction of US citizen Gerfa Yeatts Lunsman and her son Kevin in 2012. In January 2015, ''[[Mindanao Examiner]]'' newspaper reported the arrest of Barahama Ali<ref name="smh.com.au">{{Cite web |last1=Jacinto |first1=Al |last2=Murdoch |first2=Lindsay |date=2011-12-15 |title=Officials seek negotiator for talks with kidnappers |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/officials-seek-negotiator-for-talks-with-kidnappers-20111215-1owyq.html |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref> kidnap gang sub-leaders linked to the kidnapping of Rodwell, who was seized by at least 5 gunmen (disguised as policemen), and eventually handed over or sold by the kidnappers to the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan province.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20150116224746|title=Mindanao Examiner – Warren Rodwell kidnapper arrested in Zamboanga province|access-date=January 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150119165413/http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20150116224746|archive-date=January 19, 2015}}</ref>

In May 2015, ex-[[Philippine National Police]] (PNP) officer Jun A. Malban, alias Michael Zoo,<ref name=":4">{{cite news |last=Jacinto |first=Al |date=August 21, 2016 |title=Kidnap leader arrested in Zamboanga Sibugay |newspaper=The Manila Times |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/kidnap-leader-arrested-in-zamboanga-sibugay/281241/ |access-date=February 4, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120065738/http://www.manilatimes.net/kidnap-leader-arrested-in-zamboanga-sibugay/281241/ |archive-date=January 20, 2018}}</ref> was arrested in [[Kota Kinabalu]], [[Malaysia]], for the crime of "Kidnapping for Ransom" after Rodwell identified him as the negotiator/spokesperson. Further PNP investigation revealed that Malban is the cousin of Abu Sayyaf leaders Khair and Borhan Mundos (both of whom were arrested in 2014).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/17/15/nbi-files-charges-vs-abu-bandits-gensan-bombing|title=Media Release: NBI files charges vs Abu bandits for Gensan bombing|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=April 17, 2015|access-date=August 16, 2015}}</ref> The director of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) stated that Malban's arrest resulted from close co-ordination by the PNP, [[National Bureau of Investigation (Philippines)]] and Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission with the Malaysian counterparts and through [[Interpol]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pnp.gov.ph/portal/index.php/press-news-releases/more-media-news/39-national-headquarters/2615-ex-cop-arrested-in-malaysia-for-kidnapping-of-australian-national|title=Media Release: EX-COP ARRESTED IN MALAYSIA FOR KIDNAPPING OF AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL|publisher=PNP-AKG Press Release|date=May 18, 2015|access-date=May 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713201705/http://pnp.gov.ph/portal/index.php/press-news-releases/more-media-news/39-national-headquarters/2615-ex-cop-arrested-in-malaysia-for-kidnapping-of-australian-national|archive-date=July 13, 2015}}</ref> In January 2018, Rodwell attended a court hearing for Malban and others in [[Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay]], pursuant to a Supreme Court petition to transfer his case for security reasons to a court in either [[Manila]] or [[Zamboanga City]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/961363/australian-kidnap-victim-seeks-case-transfer|title=Australian kidnap victim seeks case transfer|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|access-date=January 19, 2018}}</ref>

In August 2015, Edeliza Sumbahon Ulep,<ref>{{cite web |last=Abastillas |first=Allen |date=August 14, 2015 |title=Suspect in 2012 Aussie kidnapping in Ipil nabbed |url=http://www.zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/15773-suspect-in-2012-aussie-kidnapping-in-ipil-nabbed.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150903183346/http://www.zamboangatimes.ph/top-news/15773-suspect-in-2012-aussie-kidnapping-in-ipil-nabbed.html |archive-date=3 September 2015 |access-date=August 16, 2015 |newspaper=Zamboanga Times}}</ref> alias Gina Perez, was arrested at [[Trento, Agusan del Sur]] during a joint manhunt operation by police and military units. Ulep was tagged as the ransom courier in the kidnapping.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/08/13/abu-sayyafs-ransom-courier-falls-424436|title=Abu Sayyafs' ransom courier falls|publisher=Sun Star Zamboanga|date=August 13, 2015|access-date=August 16, 2015|archive-date=August 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150815213238/http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2015/08/13/abu-sayyafs-ransom-courier-falls-424436|url-status=dead}}</ref> In August 2016, ''[[The Manila Times]]'' reported the arrest of the kidnap-for-ransom group of Barahama Alih sub-leader, Hasim Calon alias Husien (also a notorious drug dealer), in his hideout in Tenan village in Ipil town. Hasim Calon was involved in Rodwell's abduction. Earlier in 2016, police forces killed Waning Abdulsalam, a former MILF leader, in the village of Singkilon. Abdulsalam was one of the most wanted criminals in the southern Philippines and connected to ASG. He was linked to the kidnappings of Rodwell in 2011, Irish missionary Michael Sinnott in 2009 in Pagadian City, and Italian Catholic priest Giancarlo Bossi in Zamboanga del Sur's Payao town in 2007.<ref name=":4" /> In March 2019, combined security forces of the 44th Infantry Battalion, Philippine National Police, Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency, National Bureau of Investigation and Philippine Coast Guard arrested five members (Benhazer Anduhol, Solaiman Calonof, Nicanel Maningo, Jay-ar Abba Quartocruz and Hashim Lucas Samdani) of Barahama Alih criminal gang during drug operations with warrants in Barangay Tenan of Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay. Military sources allege Barahama Alih Group was responsible for a number of kidnapping incidents in previous years including the abduction of Australian national Warren Rodwell, Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi, and some local Filipinos.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pareño |first=Roel |date=March 14, 2019 |title=5 members of notorious crime group nabbed in Zamboanga Sibugay |newspaper=PhilStar Global |url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/03/14/1901465/5-members-notorious-crime-group-nabbed-zamboanga-sibugay |access-date=July 3, 2019}}</ref>

In February 2018, Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Nurhassan Jamiri was reported by Malaysia regional intelligence sources as one of three gunmen killed in a gunfight with police in [[Sabah]]. Jamiri was atop the Philippines' most wanted list and implicated in dozens of ransom kidnappings including Rodwell.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/abu-sayyaf-leader-shot-dead-in-sabah-report|title=Abu Sayyaf leader shot dead in Sabah: Report|newspaper=[[The Straits Times]]|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=March 2, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://mindanaoexaminer.com/notorious-sayyaf-leader-who-escaped-basilan-is-slain-in-sabah-clash/|title=Notorious Sayyaf leader who escaped Basilan is slain in Sabah clash|publisher=Mindanao Examiner|date=March 1, 2018|access-date=March 2, 2018|archive-date=June 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180613160450/https://mindanaoexaminer.com/notorious-sayyaf-leader-who-escaped-basilan-is-slain-in-sabah-clash/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In March 2018, Jamiri turned up alive when he and thirteen followers surrendered to authorities in Basilan. Over the preceding two years, many Abu Sayyaf bandits had surrendered to authorities in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. More were expected to yield because of the regional government's Program Against Violence and Extremism (PAVE), designed to provide opportunities and interventions, including psychosocial sessions, medical check-ups, introduction to farming systems, and expository tours outside the island provinces to facilitate the reintegration of former combatants into society.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jacinto |first=Al |date=March 29, 2018 |title='Killed' Sayyaf leader surrenders in Basilan |newspaper=The Manila Times |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/killed-sayyaf-leader-surrenders-in-basilan/389139// |access-date=April 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414092133/http://www.manilatimes.net/killed-sayyaf-leader-surrenders-in-basilan/389139/ |archive-date=April 14, 2018}}</ref> In April 2018, Rodwell lauded the surrenders and reintegration program, but said he would not interfere with the legal processing of any charges already filed against anyone involved with his own kidnapping.<ref>{{cite news |last=Alipala |first=Julie |date=April 4, 2018 |title=Talk to Abu Sayyaf, Australian kidnap victim urges gov't |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/979893/talk-to-abu-sayyaf-australian-kidnap-victim-urges-govt |access-date=April 13, 2018}}</ref>

In June 2020, ''[[Philippine Daily Inquirer|Inquirer]]'' newspaper reported the killing of Mamay Aburi by government troops in [[Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay]] after authorities attended to serve a warrant of arrest. Aburi was allegedly a subleader of a kidnap-for-ransom group and had been linked with the Abu Sayyaf Group based in Sulu. The provincial director of the [[Criminal Investigation and Detection Group]] (CIDG) said Aburi was involved in the 2011 kidnapping of Australian national Warren Rodwell and the 2019 abduction of the Hyrons couple in [[Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur]].<ref name="smh.com.au"/> In February 2021, ''The Manila Times'' reported that Abu Sayyaf subleader Arrasid Halissam was shot dead when he opened fire on police serving a warrant on him in the village of Santa Maria, Zamboanga City. Halissam was linked to numerous kidnappings such as Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell, Americans Gerfa Lunsmann and son Kevin, Chinese Yuan Lin Kai and Jian Luo, South Korean Nwi Seong Hong, and almost a dozen Filipinos. Halissam was also allegedly involved in the 2015 bombing in Zamboanga that killed two people and injured over fifty others.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jacinto |first=Al |date=February 3, 2021 |title=Abu Sayyaf subleader killed in Zamboanga clash |newspaper=The Manila Times |url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/02/03/news/regions/abu-sayyaf-subleader-killed-in-zamboanga-clash/836237/ |access-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-date=February 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210207133151/https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/02/03/news/regions/abu-sayyaf-subleader-killed-in-zamboanga-clash/836237/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=====2012 European bird watchers=====
On February 1, 2012, two European bird watchers were seized on Tawi Tawi island. Swiss Lorenzo Vinciguerra escaped in December 2014 as government troops attacked the jungle camp where he was captive on the island of Jolo. Vinciguerra was shot by rebels as he escaped; however, his injuries were non-life-threatening.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-30358073|title=Swiss hostages escapes Abu Sayyaf captors in Philippines|work=BBC News|date=December 6, 2014|access-date=January 29, 2018}}</ref> Dutch captive Ewold Horn was reportedly unable to escape. The whereabouts of Horn remained unknown.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Luke |date=20 September 2016 |title=Philippine Militancy in the Spotlight with Freed Norwegian Hostage |url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/09/philippine-militancy-in-the-spotlight-with-freed-norwegian-hostage/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921000222/https://thediplomat.com/2016/09/philippine-militancy-in-the-spotlight-with-freed-norwegian-hostage/ |archive-date=21 September 2016 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=thediplomat.com |language=en-US}}</ref> On May 31, 2019, Western Mindanao Command confirmed that Horn was shot dead during a clash with military in Patikul, Sulu. Additionally, the military advised that the wife of ASG leader Radulan Sahiron and five other ASG members were also killed.<ref>{{cite news |last=Alipala |first=Julie |date=May 31, 2019 |title=Kidnapped Dutch Ewold Horn dead in Sulu clash |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1125422/kidnapped-dutch-ewold-horn-dead-in-sulu-clash |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190531070840/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1125422/kidnapped-dutch-ewold-horn-dead-in-sulu-clash |archive-date=May 31, 2019 |access-date=May 31, 2019 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/05/dutch-hostage-held-philippines-killed-gun-battle-190531135208985.html|title=Dutch hostage held in Philippines killed in gun battle|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=June 1, 2019|access-date=June 2, 2019}}</ref>

=====2012 Mayor Jeffrey Lim Kidnapping=====
On April 2, 2012, Mayor Jeffrey Lim of [[Salug, Zamboanga del Norte]] was kidnapped by ten armed men disguised as policemen. Lim was reportedly handed over to Abu Sayyaf. On November 6, he was freed near [[Zamboanga City]] after payment of P1.3M ($US25,000) ransom. On August 9, 2013, a Mindanao Pagadian Frontline report named a "Sehar Muloc" aka "Red Eye" as a suspect in the 2012 kidnapping of Mayor Jeffrey Lim.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/10/suspect-in-dipolog-kidnapping-was-nabbed-in-2013-for-kidnapping/|title=Suspect in Dipolog kidnapping was nabbed in 2013 for kidnapping|publisher=MindaNews|date=October 11, 2015|access-date=February 8, 2018|archive-date=July 9, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709061421/http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/10/suspect-in-dipolog-kidnapping-was-nabbed-in-2013-for-kidnapping/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Alipala |first=Julie S. |date=November 6, 2012 |title=Town mayor from Zamboanga del Norte freed after P1.3M ransom |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/302446/town-mayor-from-zamboanga-del-norte-freed-after-p1-3m-ransom |access-date=February 8, 2018}}</ref> Abner Gumandol, alias Sehar Muloc and Red Eye, was said to be the leader of a criminal syndicate called the Muloc Group. Gumandol was arrested on June 12, 2016.<ref>{{cite web |last=Pareño |first=Roel |date=June 13, 2016 |title=Suspect in ex-priest's kidnap falls |url=http://www.philstar.com:8080/nation/2016/06/13/1592224/suspect-ex-priests-kidnap-falls |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208064030/http://www.philstar.com:8080/nation/2016/06/13/1592224/suspect-ex-priests-kidnap-falls |archive-date=February 8, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2018 |work=The Star}}</ref>

=====2014 Kabasalan ZSP kidnapping=====
On September 11, 2014, Chinese national Li Pei Zhei was abducted by four gunmen in [[Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay]] and taken to Basilan. He was released in Sitio Lugay-Lugay, Barangay Naga-Naga, [[Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay]] on November 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite web |last=Samuddin |first=Dahlan |date=November 6, 2014 |title=CHINESE KIDNAP VICTIM FREED IN SIBUGAY |url=http://pro9.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/public-relations/news-release/485-chinese-kidnap-victim-freed-in-sibugay |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180202193243/http://pro9.pnp.gov.ph/index.php/public-relations/news-release/485-chinese-kidnap-victim-freed-in-sibugay |archive-date=February 2, 2018 |access-date=February 2, 2018 |publisher=Philippine National Police}}</ref> Police subsequently charged Ibni Basaludin, Yug Enriquez, Brahama Ali, and Ging-Ging Calon, all residents of Barangay Tenan, [[Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay]] with kidnapping with serious illegal detention.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/4-charged-for-chinese-businessmans-kidnap-in-zambo-sibugay/|title=4 charged for Chinese businessman's kidnap in Zambo Sibugay|publisher=MindaNews|date=November 7, 2014|access-date=February 2, 2018|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927195647/https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/11/4-charged-for-chinese-businessmans-kidnap-in-zambo-sibugay/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

=====2015 Roseller Lim ZSP kidnapping=====
On January 24, 2015, Korean national Nwi Seong Hong was abducted by armed men in [[Roseller Lim, Zamboanga Sibugay]] Province. The victim's son, Abby, escaped after he fought off the kidnappers.<ref>{{cite news |last=Pareño |first=Roel |date=November 2, 2015 |title=Kidnapped Korean found dead in Sulu |work=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/11/02/1517439/kidnapped-korean-found-dead-sulu |access-date=January 30, 2018}}</ref> According to intelligence information from the JTG-SULU, the captors of were Algabsy Misaya, Idang Susukan, Alden Bagade and Mohammad Salud alias Ama Maas, Indanan-based members led by sub-leaders Isang Susukan and Anga Adji.<ref name="The Philippine Examiner">{{cite web |last=Hapas |first=Anne T. |date=November 2015 |title=Korean kidnap victim found dead in Jolo |url=http://philexaminer.com/?p=2089 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119022108/http://philexaminer.com/?p=2089 |archive-date=November 19, 2015 |access-date=November 18, 2015 |work=The Philippine Examiner}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url= https://www.rappler.com/nation/111350-korean-victim-nwi-seong-hong-found-dead|title=Korean kidnap victim found dead in Sulu|work=Rappler|access-date=January 30, 2018|date=November 1, 2015}}</ref> On October 31, 2015, the body of 74-year-old Nwi Seong Hong was found in Barangay Bangkal, [[Patikul, Sulu]]. Investigators said the victim died due to severe illness.<ref name="The Philippine Examiner"/>

=====2015 Samal Island kidnappings=====
[[File:Rodrigo Duterte welcomes Kjartan Sekkingstad.jpg|thumb|Kjartan Sekkingstad (left), one of the people kidnapped by the ASG in Samal Island in 2015, meets with President [[Rodrigo Duterte]] (right) after his release from ASG captivity.]]
On September 21, 2015, Canadians [[Robert Hall (Canadian businessman)|Robert Hall]] and [[John Ridsdel]], as well as Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and (Hall's girlfriend) Marites Flor; a Filipino woman, were abducted on Samal Island near Davao.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/22/gunmen-abduct-two-canadian-tourists-from-southern-philippines-resort|title=Canadian tourists among four abducted by gunmen at Philippines resort|agency=Reuters|work=The Guardian|date=September 22, 2015|access-date=September 22, 2016}}</ref> Ridsdel was beheaded by Abu Sayyaf on April 25, 2016, following a ransom deadline.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/hostage-philippines-ridsdel-militants-1.3551416|title=Family devastated after John Ridsdel killed by captors in Philippine|publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=April 25, 2016|access-date=April 25, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Dehaas |first=Josh |date=April 25, 2016 |title=PM 'outraged' by killing of Canadian in Philippines |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/world/pm-outraged-by-killing-of-canadian-in-philippines-1.2873288 |access-date=April 25, 2016 |publisher=CTV News}}</ref> ASG reportedly demanded more than $8.1&nbsp;million for Ridsdel and the others.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lilley |first=Brian |date=April 26, 2016 |title=Canadian government was 'very directly involved' helping John Ridsdel's family: Bob Rae |newspaper=National Post |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-government-was-very-directly-involved-in-negotiating-for-john-ridsdel-bob-rae-says |access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref>

On May 3, 2016, a video of the Ridsdel execution was released, along with new demands for the remaining hostages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zerocensorship.com/t/uncensored-philippines-news/261818-isis-affiliate-abu-sayyaf-beheading-execution-of-canadian-john-ridsdel-in-the-philippines-video|title=WATCH: ISIS Pledged Terror Group Abu Sayyaf Beheading Execution Of Canadian Hostage John Ridsdel – Video|publisher=Zero Censorship|access-date=July 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506191600/http://www.zerocensorship.com/t/uncensored-philippines-news/261818-isis-affiliate-abu-sayyaf-beheading-execution-of-canadian-john-ridsdel-in-the-philippines-video|archive-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/05/03/terror-group-releases-video-of-canadian-hostage-s-beheading-in-the-philippines_n_9828928.html|title=John Ridsdel Death: Militants Release Video Of Canadian Hostage's Beheading In Philippines|agency=The Canadian Press|work=HuffPost|date=May 3, 2016|access-date=May 3, 2016|archive-date=May 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160506023109/http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2016/05/03/terror-group-releases-video-of-canadian-hostage-s-beheading-in-the-philippines_n_9828928.html}}</ref> A masked captor said, "Note to the Philippine government and to the Canadian government: The lesson is clear. John Ridsdel has been beheaded. Now there are three remaining captives here. If you procrastinate once again the negotiations, we will behead this all anytime".<ref>{{cite news |last=Lilley |first=Brian |date=May 3, 2016 |title='We will behead this all anytime': Full transcript of new Abu Sayyaf video showing three hostages |newspaper=National Post |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/news/world/we-will-behead-this-all-anytime-full-transcript-of-new-abu-sayyaf-video-showing-three-hostages |access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref>

On May 15, Hall appeared in a new video, announcing that he and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad would be decapitated at 3&nbsp;pm on Monday June 13 absent a ransom of $16&nbsp;million. Both hostages wore orange coveralls, similar to hostages in videos produced by [[ISIL|IS]], to which Abu Sayyaf had previously pledged allegiance.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lilley |first=Brian |date=May 16, 2016 |title=Canadian hostage dies on June 13 unless $16&nbsp;million ransom paid, says Filipino terrorist group Abu Sayyaf |newspaper=National Post |url=http://news.nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-hostage-dies-on-june-13-unless-16-million-ransom-paid-filipino-terrorist-group-abu-sayyaf-says |access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> The deadline passed. Hall was beheaded.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-06-14/canada-government-believes-abu-sayyaf-hostage-has-been-killed/7507028|title=Philippines confirms execution of Canadian hostage Robert Hall by Abu Sayyaf|work=ABC News|date=June 13, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref>

On June 24, Abu Sayyaf released Filipina Marites Flor. She was subsequently flown to Davao to meet President-elect Rodrigo Duterte. Duterte said he directed negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf. He did not elaborate.<ref>{{cite web |last=Santos |first=Eimor P. |date=June 24, 2016 |title=Abu Sayyaf frees Filipina hostage |url=http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/06/24/Abu-Sayyaf-frees-Filipina-hostage.html |access-date=July 30, 2016 |work=CNN|archive-date=July 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160728060720/http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/06/24/Abu-Sayyaf-frees-Filipina-hostage.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On September 17, 2016, remaining hostage Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad was released on Jolo island. Abu Rami, an ASG spokesman, claimed $638,000 was paid as ransom.<ref name=":1" />

=====2015 Dipolog kidnapping=====
On October 7, 2015, Italian national and pizza restaurant owner Rolando del Torchio was kidnapped in [[Dipolog]], the capital of [[Zamboanga del Norte]]. On April 8, 2016, Del Torchio was released and found at [[Jolo]] port aboard MV KC Beatrice bound for [[Zamboanga City]] after his family paid P29&nbsp;million ($US650,000) in ransom.<ref name="Inquirer.net"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-04-09/former-italian-priest-freed-by-aby-sayaf-militants/7313488|title=Abu Sayaf militants release former Italian priest Rolando Del Torchio from captivity in Philippines|work=ABC News Australia|date=April 9, 2016|access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref>

====2019 Tukuran kidnapping====
On October 4, 2019, armed men abducted British national Allan Hyrons and his Filipina wife Wilma from their beach resort in Tukuran town, Zamboanga del Sur province on the southern island of Mindanao. After a brief exchange of gunfire in November between Abu Sayyaf and Philippine troops on the island of Jolo, the couple was abandoned and rescued. No ransom was reportedly paid.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-25/philippine-troops-rescue-couple-kidnapped-by-abu-sayyaf/11736814|title=Philippine troops rescue couple kidnapped by IS-linked jihadists Abu Sayyaf in running firefight|work=ABC News Australia|date=November 25, 2019|access-date=November 25, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/11/25/British-national-Filipino-wife-rescued-Hyrons.html|title=Military rescues abducted British national, Filipino wife from Abu Sayyaf|publisher=CNN|date=November 25, 2019|access-date=November 26, 2019|archive-date=November 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128084220/https://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2019/11/25/British-national-Filipino-wife-rescued-Hyrons.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

====In Malaysia====
{{See also|Cross border attacks in Sabah}}

=====2000 Sipadan kidnappings=====
{{Main|2000 Sipadan kidnappings}}
On May 3, 2000, Abu Sayyaf guerrillas occupied the Malaysian dive resort island [[Sipadan]] and took 21 [[hostage]]s, including 10 tourists and 11 resort workers – 19 foreign nationals in total. The hostages were taken to an Abu Sayyaf base in [[Jolo]].<ref name = "gmaabusayyaf">{{cite news
 | title= Abu Sayyaf kidnappings, bombings and other attacks
 | url= http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154797/abu-sayyaf-kidnappings-bombings-and-other-attacks
 | work= GMA News
 | date= August 23, 2007
| access-date =March 22, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100422202244/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154797/abu-sayyaf-kidnappings-bombings-and-other-attacks| archive-date= April 22, 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> Two Muslim Malaysians were released soon after. Abu Sayyaf made various demands for the release of several prisoners, including [[1993 World Trade Center bombing|1993 World Trade Center bomber]] [[Ramzi Yousef]] and $2.4&nbsp;million. In July, a Filipino television evangelist and 12 of members of the [[Jesus Miracle Crusade]] Church offered their help and went as mediators for the relief of other hostages.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jmcim.org |title=JESUS Miracle Crusade International Ministry – The JESUS Church – Intro |publisher=Jmcim.org |access-date=May 24, 2020}}</ref> They, three French television crew members and a German journalist, all visiting Abu Sayyaf on Jolo, were also taken hostage.<ref name="cdnn">{{cite news |author=Washington |first=Freeman |date=September 10, 2000 |title=Abu Sayyaf Muslim rebels raped Sipadan dive tourist hostages |newspaper=cdnn.info |url=http://www.cdnn.info/news/industry/i000910.html |access-date=March 23, 2010}}</ref> Most hostages were released in August and September 2000, partly due to mediation by Libyan leader [[Muammar Gaddafi]] and an offer of $25&nbsp;million in "development aid".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/898190.stm |title=BBC news.uk |work=BBC News |date=August 28, 2000 |access-date=April 3, 2012}}</ref>

Abu Sayyaf conducted a second raid on the island of Pandanan near Sipadan on September 10 and seized three more Malaysians.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cdnn.info/special-report/sipadan/sipadan_timeline.html |title=Sipadan Timeline |publisher=cdnn.info |access-date=April 3, 2012}}</ref> The Philippine army launched a major offensive on September 16, 2000, rescuing all remaining hostages, except Filipino dive instructor Roland Ullah. He was freed in 2003.<ref name = "gmaabusayyaf"/> Abu Sayyaf coordinated with the Chinese [[14K Triad]] gang in carrying out the kidnappings. The 14K Triad has militarily supported Abu Sayyaf.<ref name="Miani 2011"/>

=====2013 Pom Pom kidnappings=====
On November 15, 2013, Abu Sayyaf militants raided a [[resort]] on the Malaysian island of [[Pom Pom Island|Pom Pom]].<ref name="kd">{{cite web|url=http://www.emirates247.com/news/pom-pom-island-tourist-killed-wife-kidnapped-2013-11-16-1.528227|title=Pom Pom Island: Tourist killed, wife kidnapped|publisher=[[Emirates 24/7]]|date=November 16, 2013|access-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref><ref name="kd6">{{cite web|url=http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20131222000063&cid=1101 |title=Militant group Abu Sayyaf behind Taiwanese woman's kidnapping |work=[[Want China Times]] |date=December 22, 2013 |access-date=April 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031041945/http://www.wantchinatimes.com/news-subclass-cnt.aspx?id=20131222000063&cid=1101 |archive-date=October 31, 2014 }}</ref> During the ambush, Taiwanese citizen Chang An-wei was kidnapped and her husband, Hsu Li-min, was killed.<ref name="Kidnapping victim thanks helper for securing release">{{cite web |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/asoc/201312230032.aspx |publisher=Focus Taiwan
|title=Kidnapping victim thanks helper for securing release |date=December 23, 2013
|access-date=June 7, 2014}}</ref> Chang was taken to the [[Sulu Archipelago]].<ref name="kd"/> Chang was freed in [[Sulu]] Province and returned to Taiwan on December 21.<ref name="Abducted Taiwanese woman Evelyn Chang found in southern Philippines">{{cite news |url= http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/1387187/abducted-taiwanese-woman-evelyn-chang-found-southern-philippines|newspaper= South China Morning Post|title= Abducted Taiwanese woman Evelyn Chang found in Southern Philippines |access-date=June 7, 2014|date= December 20, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Snatched Tourist Faces Torment in Jungle">{{cite news |last= Lewis|first= Leo|date= April 5, 2014|title= Snatched Tourist Faces Torment in Jungle|url= http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/asia/article4054851.ece |archive-url= https://archive.today/20200226045656/http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/news/world/asia/article4054851.ece |url-status= dead |archive-date= February 26, 2020 |newspaper= [[The Times]] |access-date= June 7, 2014}}</ref><ref name="kd3">{{cite news |author=Zolkepli |first=Farik |date=December 20, 2013 |title=Semporna kidnap: Rescued – Taiwanese tourist kidnapped from Pom Pom island resort (Update) |newspaper=[[The Star (Malaysia)|The Star]] |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/12/20/semporna-kidnap-taiwanese-rescued-pom-pom-island-resort.aspx/ |access-date=April 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407085059/http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/12/20/semporna-kidnap-taiwanese-rescued-pom-pom-island-resort.aspx/ |archive-date=April 7, 2014}}</ref>

=====2014 Singamata, Baik Island and Kampung Air Sapang kidnappings=====
On April 2, 2014, a kidnap gang believed to originate from Abu Sayyaf militants raided Singamata Reef Resort off [[Semporna]].<ref name="kd2">{{cite web |author=Vanar |first=Muguntan |date=April 4, 2014 |title=Semporna resort kidnap: Abductors also involved in Pom-Pom and Sipadan incidents, says Esscom chief |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/04/semporna-kidnappers-also-involved-pompom-sipadan/ |access-date=April 6, 2014 |work=The Star}}</ref><ref name="kd4">{{cite news|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/101571/filipino-resort-worker-chinese-tourist-abducted-in-malaysia|title=Abu Sayyaf men abduct 2 in Malaysia–officials|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|date=April 3, 2014|access-date=April 6, 2014}}</ref> Chinese tourist Gao Huayun from Shanghai and [[Filipino people|Filipino]] resort worker Marcy Dayawan were abducted and taken to the Sulu Archipelago.<ref name="kd2"/><ref name="kd5">{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/04/03/Semporna-kidnapping-Semporna/|title=Two abducted from resort off Semporna|work=The Star|date=April 3, 2014|access-date=April 6, 2014|author=Muguntan Vanar}}</ref> The two hostages were later rescued after a collaboration between Malaysian and Philippines security forces.<ref name="chn">{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/kidnapped-tourist-resort/1130660.html |title=Kidnapped tourist, resort worker rescued in Malaysia |publisher=[[Channel NewsAsia]] |date=May 31, 2014 |access-date=May 31, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531173414/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/kidnapped-tourist-resort/1130660.html |archive-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref><ref name="ajz">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia-pacific/2014/05/women-abducted-from-malaysian-resort-released-2014530225216382478.html|title=Women abducted from Malaysian resort released|publisher=[[Al Jazeera Media Network|Al Jazeera]]|date=May 31, 2014|access-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref>

On May 6, five Abu Sayyaf gunmen raided a Malaysian [[fish farming|fish farm]] on [[Baik Island]] Sabah, kidnapped the fish farm manager and took him to Jolo island.<ref name="abd">{{cite news|url=http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/05/06/another-kidnap-in-sabah/|title=Another abduction in Sabah|work=[[Free Malaysia Today]]|date=May 6, 2014|access-date=May 31, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140531181819/http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2014/05/06/another-kidnap-in-sabah/|archive-date=May 31, 2014}}</ref><ref name="ogc">{{cite web |last1=Vanar |first1=Muguntan |last2=Lee |first2=Stephanie |date=May 8, 2014 |title=Officials get reports that Chinese national has been taken to Jolo |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/05/08/Hostage-search-called-off-Officials-get-reports-that-Chinese-national-has-been-taken-to-Jolo/ |access-date=May 31, 2014 |work=The Star}}</ref> He was freed in July with the help of Malaysian negotiators.<ref name="freed">{{cite web |last1=Sario |first1=Ruben |last2=Lee |first2=Stephanie |date=July 11, 2014 |title=Malaysian negotiators rescue fish farm manager from Abu Sayyaf gunmen |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/07/11/Man-freed-after-63-days-in-captivity-Msian-negotiators-rescue-fish-farm-manager-from-Abu-Sayyaf-gunm/ |access-date=July 12, 2014 |work=The Star}}</ref>

On June 16, two gunmen believed to be from Abu Sayyaf kidnapped a Chinese fish farm manager and one Filipino worker in Kampung Air Sapang.<ref name="ask">{{cite news |author=Ramendran |first1=Charles |last2=Cheah |first2=Bernard |date=June 16, 2014 |title=Two more kidnapped in Sabah |newspaper=[[The Sun (Malaysia)|The Sun]] |url=http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1082281 |access-date=June 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name="ddw">{{cite news|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/06/16/kunak-kidnap-victim-yells-abductors-not-to-disturb-wife/|title=Kunak kidnap: "Don't disturb my wife. I will follow you"|agency=Bernama|work=The Star|date=June 16, 2014|access-date=June 17, 2014}}</ref> The worker managed to escape and disappeared.<ref name="esp">{{cite web|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/news/asia/south-east-asia/story/fish-farm-worker-manages-escape-armed-kidnappers-sabah-20140616|title=Fish farm worker manages to escape armed kidnappers in Sabah|work=The Star/[[Asia News Network]]|date=June 16, 2014|access-date=June 17, 2014}}</ref><ref name="pg">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=90074|title=Hostage who escaped sought|newspaper=Daily Express|date=June 18, 2014|access-date=June 21, 2014}}</ref> Meanwhile, the fish farm manager was taken to Jolo.<ref name="asb">{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/06/20/Kidnappers-contact-fish-breeders-wife-No-ransom-demand-was-made/|title=Kidnappers contact fish breeder's wife|work=The Star|date=June 20, 2014|access-date=June 21, 2014}}</ref> He was released on December 10.<ref name="rls">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1264262|title=Fish breeder released by Abu Sayyaf|work=The Sun|date=December 10, 2014|access-date=December 11, 2014}}</ref>

Malaysian authorities identified five Filipinos, the "Muktadil brothers", as responsible for these cases. They sold their hostages to the Abu Sayyaf group.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Katharason |first1=PK |last2=Vanar |first2=Muguntan |last3=Sario |first3=Ruben |last4=Lee |first4=Stephanie |last5=Golingai |first5=Philip |date=June 22, 2014 |title=Muktadir kin – mastermind behind kidnaps? |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/06/22/Muktadir-kin-mastermind-behind-kidnaps-Sources-Brothers-sell-hostages-to-Abu-Sayyaf/ |access-date=June 22, 2014 |work=The Star}}</ref> Of the five Muktadil brothers: Mindas Muktadil was killed by Philippine police in May 2015, Kadafi Muktadil was arrested in late 2015, Nixon Muktadil and Brown Muktadil were killed by the Philippine military on September 27, 2016, after they resisted arrest,<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-09-27 |title=Philippines: Two militants linked to sailor abductions killed |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/world/2016/09/27/philippines-two-militants-linked-to-sailor-abductions-killed/1215181 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=Malay Mail |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Vanar |first1=Muguntan |last2=Lee |first2=Stephanie |date=September 28, 2016 |title=Muktadil Brothers gunned down in surprise raid on Sulu island |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/09/28/kidnap-group-leaders-killed-muktadil-brothers-gunned-down-in-surprise-raid-on-sulu-island/ |access-date=October 3, 2016 |work=The Star}}</ref> while Badong Muktadil succumbed to his injuries while fleeing after he was shot when his brothers was killed. His body was discovered in a pump boat in Mususiasi.<ref>{{cite web |author=Vanar |first=Muguntan |date=September 30, 2016 |title=Last of Muktadil brothers killed |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/09/30/last-of-muktadil-brothers-killed-badong-found-dead-after-military-shootout/ |access-date=October 3, 2016 |work=The Star}}</ref>

=====2015 Ocean King Restaurant kidnappings=====
On May 15, 2015, four armed Abu Sayyaf members kidnapped two Malaysian nationals from Ocean King Restaurant in an upscale resort in [[Sandakan]], Sabah and took them to [[Parang, Sulu]].<ref name="recurs">{{cite news|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/05/16/kidnapping-incident-in-sabah-recurs/|title=Kidnapping incident in Sabah recurs|newspaper=Borneo Post|date=May 16, 2015|access-date=May 16, 2015}}</ref><ref name="abu sayyaf strikes again">{{cite web |last=Locsin |first=Joel |date=May 15, 2015 |title=Police: Abu Sayyaf linked to Sabah kidnap |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/487930/news/regions/police-abu-sayyaf-linked-to-sabah-kidnap |access-date=May 16, 2015 |publisher=GMA News}}</ref> Police identified the leaders of the group behind the abduction as Alhabsy Misaya, Alden Bagade and Angah Adji. On November 8, Thien Nyuk Fun, the seafood restaurant owner, was released after payment of 30 million pesos ($US675,000) ransom.<ref name="one released">{{cite web|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/130670/sabah-hostage-released-by-abu-sayyaf-gunmen|title=Sabah hostage released by Abu Sayyaf gunmen|work=The Star/Asia News Network|date=November 9, 2015|access-date=November 9, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Dancel |first=Raul |date=November 9, 2015 |title=Abu Sayyaf releases Thien Nyuk Fun, one of two Malaysians taken from Sabah restaurant |work=The Straits Times |url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/abu-sayyaf-releases-thien-nyuk-fun-one-of-two-malaysians-taken-from-sabah-restaurant |access-date=February 5, 2018}}</ref> The initial agreement of 30 million pesos was reportedly for both hostages; however, a faction within the Abu Sayyaf Group demanded more after Thien Nyuk Fun was released. Further negotiations broke down and the other hostage, electrical engineer Bernard Then, was beheaded on Jolo Island on November 17.<ref name="one beheaded">{{cite web |last1=Vanar |first1=Muguntan |last2=Lee |first2=Stephanie |date=November 17, 2015 |title=Malaysian hostage Bernard Then beheaded |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/11/17/Bernard-then-killed-abu-sayyaf/ |access-date=November 18, 2015 |work=The Star}}</ref><ref name="cause of beheaded">{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2015/11/17/Bernard-Then-beheading-ransom-not-met/|title=Demand for higher ransom led to beheading|work=The Star|date=November 17, 2015|access-date=November 18, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Vanar |first1=Muguntan |last2=Lee |first2=Stephanie |date=November 17, 2015 |title=Malaysian hostage Bernard Then beheaded |work=The Star |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2015/11/17/bernard-then-killed-abu-sayyaf/ |access-date=February 5, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Golingai |first=Philip |date=November 21, 2015 |title=Why Bernard Then was beheaded |work=The Star |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/one-mans-meat/2015/11/21/why-bernard-then-was-beheaded/ |access-date=February 5, 2018}}</ref>

====Philippines and Malaysia waters====

=====2014 German sailors kidnapping=====
In April 2014, Germans Dr. Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen were captured on their yacht on the high seas near Borneo. Abu Sayyaf threatened to behead one of them. After payment of $US5.6&nbsp;million in October 2014, the pair were released in Patikul, Sulu.<ref name=":0" />

=====2016 Local and foreign sailors kidnappings=====
On March 26, 2016, ten Indonesian seafarers were held hostage by ASG operating in [[Sulu Archipelago]]. They were abducted from the Brahma 12 tugboat and the Anand 12 barge<ref name=":2" /> near [[Tawi-Tawi province]].<ref>{{cite news |author=Sanchez |first=Ray |date=March 29, 2016 |title=10 Indonesian sailors kidnapped in the Philippines |work=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/29/asia/philippines-indonesia-sailors-hostage/}}</ref> The Indonesian vessels were freighting coal from [[South Borneo]] heading for [[Batangas]] port when hijacked. In April, the Indonesian government announced that the company that owned tugboat ''Brahma 12'' had agreed to pay the 50-million-peso ($1&nbsp;million) ransom.<ref name=":2" /> On May 2, they were released.<ref>{{cite news |author=Hume |first1=Tim |last2=Quiano |first2=Kathy |date=May 2, 2016 |title=10 Indonesian hostages released by Islamist militant group, president says |work=CNN|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2016/05/01/asia/indonesia-philippines-abu-sayyaf-hostages/}}</ref>

On April 1, four [[Malaysians|Malaysian]] sailors aboard a tugboat from Manila were kidnapped when they arrived near the shore of [[Ligitan Island]]. Their companions, three Myanmar nationals and two Indonesians, were unharmed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lai |first1=Nancy |last2=Ringgit |first2=Margaret |date=April 3, 2016 |title=Four Sarawakians kidnapped |newspaper=Borneo Post |url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/04/03/four-sarawakians-kidnapped/ |access-date=April 3, 2016}}</ref> On June 8, they were released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/4-malaysians-released-by/2854376.html|title=4 Malaysians released by Abu Sayyaf: Philippine military|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=June 8, 2016|access-date=June 15, 2016|archive-date=June 11, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611084528/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/4-malaysians-released-by/2854376.html}}</ref>

On April 15, four Indonesian sailors were kidnapped when two Indonesian tugboats from [[Cebu]], ''Henry'' and ''Cristi'', were attacked by Abu Sayyaf militants. While five of the passengers were safe, one was shot before he was rescued.<ref>{{cite web |author=Setyadi |first=Arief |date=April 16, 2016 |title=Kapal Indonesia Kembali Dibajak, 4 WNI Diculik & 1 Ditembak |url=http://news.okezone.com/read/2016/04/16/337/1364473/kapal-indonesia-kembali-dibajak-4-wni-diculik-1-ditembak |access-date=April 16, 2016 |publisher=Okezone |language=id}}</ref> They were released on May 11.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Parlina |first1=Ina |last2=Salim |first2=Tama |date=May 12, 2016 |title=Abu Sayyaf releases four remaining RI hostages |newspaper=The Jakarta Post |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/05/12/abu-sayyaf-releases-four-remaining-ri-hostages.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513122712/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/05/12/abu-sayyaf-releases-four-remaining-ri-hostages.html |archive-date=May 13, 2016}}</ref> A group of concerned Filipinos in Sabah urged Philippine president-elect [[Rodrigo Duterte]] to intervene for the release of four Malaysians held hostage by Abu Sayyaf. The issue strained the relationship between the Philippines and Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=109710|title=Filipinos in Sabah urge Duterte: Help free hostages|newspaper=Daily Express|date=May 13, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513123353/http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=109710|archive-date=May 13, 2016}}</ref>

On June 21, seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped while aboard a tugboat passing through the Sulu Archipelago.<ref>{{cite news |author=Torres |first=Estrella |date=June 24, 2016 |title=Abu kidnappers seize 7 Indonesians |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/792201/abu-kidnappers-seize-7-indonesians |access-date=July 10, 2016}}</ref>

On July 9, three Indonesian fishermen were kidnapped near the coast of Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia<ref>{{cite news|url=http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/armed-men-kidnap-three-indonesians-off-sabah-coast/|title=Armed Men Kidnap Three Indonesians Off Sabah Coast|newspaper=Jakarta Globe|date=July 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016234539/http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/armed-men-kidnap-three-indonesians-off-sabah-coast|archive-date=October 16, 2016}}</ref> and released on September 17.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/09/174118/three-indonesians-abducted-sabah-waters-freed-militant-abu-sayyaf-group?|title=Three Indonesians abducted in Sabah waters freed by militant Abu Sayyaf group|agency=Reuters|work=[[New Straits Times]]|date=September 18, 2016|access-date=September 18, 2016}}</ref>

On July 18, five Malaysian sailors were abducted near the coast of Lahad Datu.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/5-malaysian-crewmen/2969950.html|title=5 Malaysian crewmen kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf: Philippine official|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=July 20, 2016|access-date=July 26, 2016|archive-date=July 23, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160723080645/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/5-malaysian-crewmen/2969950.html}}</ref>

On August 3, an Indonesian sailor was kidnapped in the waters of Malaysia leaving two other crew members unharmed. This incident was reported by victims on August 5.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 7, 2016 |editor-last=Purwanto |editor-first=Heru |title=Govt confirms one more Indonesian abducted in Malaysian water |url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/106126/govt-confirms-one-more-indonesian-abducted-in-malaysian-water |access-date=August 11, 2016 |publisher=Antara}}</ref> Two of the hostages managed to escape after receiving persistent threats of beheading.<ref>{{cite news |author=Cerojano |first=Teresa |date=August 18, 2016 |title=Second Indonesian sailor manages to escape Abu Sayyaf captors |publisher=CTV News |agency=Associated Press |url=http://www.ctvnews.ca/mobile/world/second-indonesian-sailor-manages-to-escape-abu-sayyaf-captors-1.3033492 |access-date=September 4, 2016}}</ref>

On September 10, three Filipino fishermen were kidnapped on the shores of Pom Pom Island.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gunmen kidnaps 3 Filipino fishermen near Pulau Pom Pom |url=https://www.thesundaily.my/archive/1967434-KSARCH393969 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=www.thesundaily.my |language=en-MY}}</ref>

On September 22, another Indonesian hostage was released.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fonbuena |first1=Carmela |last2=Gutierrez |first2=Natashya |date=September 22, 2016 |title=Another Indonesian hostage released by the Abu Sayyaf |publisher=Rappler |agency=Agence France-Presse |url=http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia/bahasa/englishedition/147049-abu-sayyaf-hostage-release |access-date=September 25, 2016}}</ref>

On September 27, one Malaysian boat-skipper was kidnapped from his trawler by seven armed militants before the group attacked another Indonesian trawler; however, no kidnappings were committed in the second incident.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://m.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/police-believe-filipino-group-raided-sabah-twice-in-same-night|title=Police believe Filipino group raided Sabah twice in same night|newspaper=The Malay Mail|date=September 28, 2016|access-date=September 28, 2016|archive-date=September 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160929162559/http://m.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/police-believe-filipino-group-raided-sabah-twice-in-same-night|url-status=dead}}</ref> The hostage was released on October 1, with no ransom demand,<ref>{{cite web |author=Vanar |first=Muguntan |date=October 1, 2016 |title=Fishing boat owner freed by Filipino abductors |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2016/10/01/pulau-gaya-kidnap-victim-freed/ |access-date=October 2, 2016 |work=The Star}}</ref> along with three Indonesians hostages who were released the same day.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/10/03/asia-pacific/abu-sayyaf-frees-indonesia-tugboat-trio-three-months-captivity/|title=Abu Sayyaf frees Indonesia tugboat trio after three months in captivity|agency=Associated Press|work=[[The Japan Times]] |date=October 3, 2016|access-date=October 2, 2016}}</ref>

On October 21, approximately ten Abu Sayyaf militants attacked a South Korean-bound vessel named ''MV Dongbang Gian'' and abducted a South Korean skipper and a Filipino crewman off [[Bongao, Tawi-Tawi]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/abu-sayyaf-attacks-s-korean-ship-abducts-skipper-crewman|title=Abu Sayyaf attacks S. Korean ship, abducts skipper, crewman|agency=Associated Press|work=Fox News Channel|date=October 21, 2016|access-date=October 23, 2016}}</ref>

On November 5, German sailor Sabine Merz was shot dead while her husband [[Jürgen Kantner]] was abducted from their yacht off Tanjong Luuk Pisuk in Sabah. On or before February 27, 2017, Kantner was beheaded after a ransom of 30 million pesos ($US600,000) was not paid.<ref name="Awang Ali Omar">{{cite news |author=Omar |first=Awang Ali |date=November 7, 2016 |title=Report: German kidnapped, girlfriend killed as Abu Sayyaf storm yacht off Sabah waters |newspaper=New Straits Times |url=http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/11/186536/report-german-kidnapped-girlfriend-killed-abu-sayyaf-storm-yacht-sabah-waters |access-date=November 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/587769/news/regions/asg-claims-abducting-german-off-sabah|title=[Female companion found dead in Sulu] ASG claims abducting German off Sabah|publisher=GMA News|date=November 7, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thelocal.de/20170227/german-hostage-beheaded-by-philippine-islamists|title=German sailor beheaded by Philippine Islamists|newspaper=The Local Germany |publisher=GMA News|date=February 27, 2017|access-date=January 29, 2018}}</ref>

On November 11, Vietnamese vessel MV Royale 16 with nineteen sailors on board was attacked by Abu Sayyaf near Basilan, abducting six sailors and injuring one. The remaining thirteen sailors were released.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tuoitrenews.vn/society/37957/6-vietnamese-abducted-in-attack-on-cargo-ship-off-philippines|title=6 Vietnamese abducted in attack on cargo ship off Philippines|publisher=Tuổi Trẻ|date=November 11, 2016|access-date=November 7, 2016}}</ref>

On November 20, two Indonesian fishermen were kidnapped by five gunmen off Lahad Datu.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mogato |first1=Manuel |last2=Petty |first2=Martin |last3=Coghill |first3=Kim |date=November 20, 2016 |title=Philippines tries to intercept bandits as more fishermen snatched off Sabah |work=The Star |agency=Reuters |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2016/11/20/philippines-tries-to-intercept-bandits-as-more-indonesians-snatched-at-sea/ |access-date=November 20, 2016}}</ref>

Due to the increase of attacks against foreign vessels by Abu Sayyaf, the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines agreed to jointly patrol their waters on May 5, 2016.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Satriawan |first1=Budi |last2=Mogato |first2=Manuel |last3=Jensen |first3=Fergus |last4=Birsel |first4=Robert |date=May 5, 2016 |title=Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia to coordinate against militant pirates |work=Reuters |url=http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN0XW0O7 |access-date=May 6, 2016}}</ref> The three countries formed another agreement on joint air patrols.<ref>{{cite news |author=Mangosing |first=Francis |date=October 3, 2016 |title=Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia agree on joint air patrols |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/146016/philippines-indonesia-malaysia-agree-on-joint-air-patrols |access-date=October 3, 2016}}</ref>

During the first six months of 2016, Abu Sayyaf made $7.3&nbsp;million, equivalent to [[Philippine peso|Php]] 353 million, from ransom payoffs.<ref>{{cite news | last =Gomez | first =Jim | title =Abu Sayyaf got $7.3&nbsp;million from kidnappings | newspaper =[[The Washington Post]] | date =October 27, 2016 | url =https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/apnewsbreak-abu-sayyaf-got-7-million-from-kidnappings/2016/10/27/2e93a898-9c19-11e6-b552-b1f85e484086_story.html | access-date =October 27, 2016 | archive-date =October 28, 2016 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20161028143854/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/apnewsbreak-abu-sayyaf-got-7-million-from-kidnappings/2016/10/27/2e93a898-9c19-11e6-b552-b1f85e484086_story.html }}</ref>

===Beheadings===
{{Main|Abu Sayyaf beheading incidents}}
As part of its [[kidnapping|kidnap-for-ransom operations]], the Abu Sayyaf has executed some of their male hostages if ransom demands were not met.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Sherwell |first=Philip |date=May 23, 2016 |title=How Abu Sayyaf makes a business of beheadings as Islamist terror gang releases 'final message' hostage video |newspaper=The Telegraph |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/05/20/how-abu-sayyaf-the-islamist-terror-gang-made-a-business-out-of-b/ |access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> The group had previously beheaded Christian civilians and others they consider [[kafir]] without demanding ransoms for their release, due to their religious affiliation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Spillius |first=Alex |date=5 August 2001 |title=Philippines rebel kidnappers behead nine Christian hostages |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/1336482/Philippines-rebel-kidnappers-behead-nine-Christian-hostages.html |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111000155/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/philippines/1336482/Philippines-rebel-kidnappers-behead-nine-Christian-hostages.html |archive-date=January 11, 2022 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=The Telegraph }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/aug/22/alqaida.terrorism|title=Jehovah's Witnesses beheaded in Philippines|newspaper=The Guardian|date=August 22, 2002|access-date=July 29, 2016}}</ref>

===Bombings===

====2004 Superferry 14 Bombing====
{{Main|Superferry 14}}
[[Superferry 14]] was a large ferry destroyed by a bomb on February 27, 2004, killing 116 people in the [[Philippines]]' worst terrorist attack and the world's deadliest terrorist attack at sea.<ref name="banloai">{{cite web |last=Banlaoi |first=Rommel C. |author-link=Rommel Banlaoi |title=Maritime Terrorism in Southeast Asia: The Abu Sayyaf Threat |url=http://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/f54ece77-3d67-4c32-bfaa-02b476a569d8/Maritime-Terrorism-in-Southeast-Asia--The-Abu-Sayy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110920113008/http://www.usnwc.edu/getattachment/f54ece77-3d67-4c32-bfaa-02b476a569d8/Maritime-Terrorism-in-Southeast-Asia--The-Abu-Sayy |archive-date=September 20, 2011}}</ref> On that day, the 10,192 [[ton]] ferry sailed out of [[Manila]] with about 900 passengers and crew on board. A television set filled with 8&nbsp;lb. (4 kilograms) of [[Trinitrotoluene|TNT]] had been placed on board. 90 minutes out of port, the bomb exploded. 63 people were killed instantly and 53 were missing and presumed dead. Despite claims from terrorist groups, the blast was initially thought to have been an accident caused by a gas explosion. However, after divers righted the ferry five months after it had sunk, they found evidence of a bomb blast. A man called Redendo Cain Dellosa admitted to planting the bomb for Abu Sayyaf.<ref>{{cite web |last=Banlaoi |first=Rommel C. |author-link=Rommel Banlaoi |date=2007 |title=Abu Sayyaf Group: Threat of Maritime Piracy and Terrorism |url=http://www.ppl.nl/plinklet/?sid=bibliographies&ppn=302372067&genre=bookitem&issn=&isbn=0415953200&title=The%20Abu%20Sayyaf%20Group%20:%20Threat%20of%20Maritime%20Piracy%20and%20Terrorism%20/%20Rommel%20C.%20Banlaoi&aulast=Banlaoi&aufirst=Rommel%20C.&au2last=&au2first=&au3last=&au3first=&edlast=&edfirst=&ed2last=&ed2first=&ed3last=&ed3first=&source=Violence%20at%20Sea%20:%20Piracy%20in%20the%20Age%20of%20Global%20Terrorism%20/%20ed.%20by%20Peter%20Lehr&year=2007&volume=&issue=&spage=121-137&bibliography=terrorism&table=terrorism&download=N&scharnier=&extensie=&id=14903&url= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927081644/http://www.ppl.nl/plinklet/?sid=bibliographies&ppn=302372067&genre=bookitem&issn=&isbn=0415953200&title=The%20Abu%20Sayyaf%20Group%20%3A%20Threat%20of%20Maritime%20Piracy%20and%20Terrorism%20%2F%20Rommel%20C.%20Banlaoi&aulast=Banlaoi&aufirst=Rommel%20C.&au2last=&au2first=&au3last=&au3first=&edlast=&edfirst=&ed2last=&ed2first=&ed3last=&ed3first=&source=Violence%20at%20Sea%20%3A%20Piracy%20in%20the%20Age%20of%20Global%20Terrorism%20%2F%20ed.%20by%20Peter%20Lehr&year=2007&volume=&issue=&spage=121-137&bibliography=terrorism&table=terrorism&download=N&scharnier=&extensie=&id=14903&url= |archive-date=September 27, 2011 |access-date=June 22, 2021}}</ref> Six suspects were arrested in connection with the bombing while the masterminds, [[Khadaffy Janjalani]] and [[Abu Sulaiman]], were killed.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Banlaoi |first=Rommel C. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/318414806 |title=Philippine security in the age of terror : national, regional, and global challenges in the post-9/11 world |date=2010 |publisher=CRC Press |isbn=978-1-4398-1550-2 |location=Boca Raton |pages=1–358 |oclc=318414806}}</ref>

====2016 Davao City bombing====
{{Main|2016 Davao City bombing}}
On September 2, 2016, an explosion occurred at a night market in [[Davao City]], Philippines killing at least 15 and injuring 70.<ref>{{cite news |author=de Jesus |first=Julliane Love |date=September 8, 2016 |title=Davao blast suspect identified, Bato says |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/813881/davao-blast-suspect-identified-bato-says |access-date=September 8, 2016 |quote=Victims: 40 died and 70 injured.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Tesiorna |first=Ben O. |date=September 13, 2016 |title=Pregnant Davao bombing victim dies in hospital; death toll rises to 15 |url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/09/13/pregnant-davao-bombing-victim-dies-in-hospital-death-toll-rises-15.html |access-date=September 13, 2016 |work=CNN|archive-date=September 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914162026/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/09/13/pregnant-davao-bombing-victim-dies-in-hospital-death-toll-rises-15.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Shortly before the bombing, Abu Sayyaf made a threat following the intensified military operation against them.<ref name="wipe out order">{{cite news |author=Murdoch |first=Lindsay |date=August 31, 2016 |title=Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte issues 'wipe out' order against Abu Sayyaf |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |url=http://www.smh.com.au/world/philippines-rodrigo-duterte-issues-wipe-out-order-against-abu-sayyaf-20160831-gr59dw.html |access-date=September 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Santos |first=Eimor P. |date=September 2, 2016 |title=AFP taps 7,000-strong force vs. Abu Sayyaf |url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/09/02/AFP-vs-Abu-Sayyaf.html |access-date=September 4, 2016 |work=CNN|archive-date=September 3, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160903195413/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2016/09/02/AFP-vs-Abu-Sayyaf.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Alipala |first=Julie |date=September 2, 2016 |title=Abu Sayyaf to bring fight to AFP doorstep |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/811993/abu-sayyaf-to-bring-fight-to-afp-doorstep |access-date=September 4, 2016}}</ref><ref name="intensified operation">{{cite news |last1=Balana |first1=Cynthia D. |last2=Alipala |first2=Julie |date=September 2, 2016 |title=Army pours troops into pursuit; Abus ready for 'last war' |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/812066/army-pours-troops-into-pursuit-abus-ready-for-last-war |access-date=September 4, 2016}}</ref> Abu Sayyaf spokesperson Abu Rami was reported to claim responsibility.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Esmaquel II |first1=Paterno |last2=Cupin |first2=Bea |date=September 3, 2016 |title=Abu Sayyaf claims responsibility for Davao blast – report |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/145045-abu-sayyaf-responsibility-davao-explosion |access-date=September 4, 2016}}</ref> He later denied the report and any involvement, saying a group allied to them; the Daulat Ul-Islamiya were responsible.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nawal |first1=Allan |last2=Alipala |first2=Julie |last3=Manlupig |first3=Karlos |date=September 2, 2016 |title=Abu Sayyaf disowns Davao explosion, says ally was behind attack |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/812451/abu-sayyaf-disowns-davao-explosion-says-ally-was-behind-attack |access-date=September 4, 2016}}</ref> Although the Abu Sayyaf spokesman denied involvement, the Philippine government blame the group.

{{blockquote|This is not the first time that Davao has been sacrificed to the altar of violence. It's always connected with Abu Sayyaf before. They gave a warning. We know that.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/philippines-abu-sayyaf-blamed-attack-davao-city-160903025801696.html|title=Philippines: Abu Sayyaf blamed for attack in Davao City|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=3 September 2016|access-date=4 September 2016}}</ref>|[[Rodrigo Duterte]], President of the Philippines}}

====2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings====
{{Main|2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings}}
On January 27, 2019, two bombs detonated at the Roman Catholic [[Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, Jolo|Cathedral of Our Lady of Mount Carmel]] in Jolo town which is the center of Abu Sayyaf stronghold.<ref name="Abu Sayyaf stronghold"/> The bombings resulting to eighteen people were killed while 82 others were injured, mostly from Philippine Army's [[1st Infantry Division (Philippines)|35th Battalion]] and civilians inside the church.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/27/jolo-town-cathedral-explosion.html|title=Death toll in Jolo blasts lowered to 18|publisher=CNN|date=January 27, 2019|access-date=January 27, 2019|archive-date=January 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190127074545/http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2019/01/27/jolo-town-cathedral-explosion.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Philippine military said the Abu Sayyaf under the faction of [[Ajang Ajang Group|Ajang-Ajang]] are responsible which is also echoed by peace advocate with evidence from military intelligence operatives that they have intercepted plans of the latter to bomb the other parts of downtown Jolo months before.<ref>{{cite web |last=Reyes |first=Jewel |date=January 27, 2019 |title=Military eyes Abu Sayyaf behind twin blasts in Jolo |url=https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/27/19/military-eyes-abu-sayyaf-behind-twin-blasts-in-jolo |access-date=January 28, 2019 |publisher=ABS-CBN News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Mangosing |first=Frances |date=January 28, 2019 |title=Abu Sayyaf's Ajang-Ajang faction eyed as suspects behind Jolo blasts |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078312/abu-sayyafs-ajang-ajang-faction-eyed-as-suspects-behind-jolo-blasts |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref> The bombings took place a week after a [[2019 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region creation plebiscite|referendum]] for the creation of [[Bangsamoro Autonomous Region]] with the attacks is described as the opposition by the Abu Sayyaf group for their areas inclusion under the Bangsamoro authorities since the whole Sulu province itself is already known to be against the referendum with 163,526 oppose votes (54.3%).<ref>{{cite news |author=Tomacruz |first=Sofia |date=January 24, 2019 |title=Sulu rejects Bangsamoro law |work=Rappler |url=https://www.rappler.com/nation/221802-plebiscite-results-sulu-votes-against-bangsamoro-law |access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref>