MANILA, April 19 (Xinhua) -- Philippine navy boats and airforce helicopters deployed in Sulu sea off a southern province had foiled a seajacking attempt on a cargo vessel on Tuesday, the military said Wednesday.
The cargo vessel with 21 crew members, which was plying the sea waters off Siocon from Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte en route to Zamboanga City, gave a distress call at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and reported that three motorized boats with undetermined number of armed men onboard were seemingly attacking them and attempting to board their vessel.
The Western Mindanao Command said they immediately directed all naval ships patrolling the area to proceed to the last reported location, while two Philippine air force helicopters were also deployed to fly over the reported area.
According to a statement, the pursuing motorized boats immediately left the area upon sensing the arrival of the navy ships and the helicopters.
"Our naval assets are all ready to render necessary assistance to deter seajacking and abduction at seas," said Rear Adm. Rene V. Medina, commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao.
On Feb. 22, 2017, Philippine navy ships foiled an attempt to seajack a vessel by suspected Abu Sayyaf group in Tawi-Tawi.
