SULU-CELEBES SEAS THREAT DOWNGRADED TO ‘LOW’ IN 2025, REFLECTING REGIONAL COOPERATION - PCG

MANILA, Feb 12 (Bernama) — The threat of abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu and Celebes (Sulawesi) Seas has been downgraded from “high” to “low” as of January 2025, marking a significant improvement in maritime security in the region.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the downgrade reflects years of sustained regional maritime cooperation, particularly among the Philippines and neighbouring countries, including Malaysia and Indonesia.

“The risk level assessed as high in 2016, was progressively downgraded to low in January 2025,” he said during a session with participants of the Southeast Asia Maritime Media Visits Project (SEAMMVP) at the PCG National Headquarters here on Wednesday.

Funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in collaboration with La Trobe University in Melbourne, the SEAMMVP aims to foster greater understanding of regional maritime issues and strengthen a collaborative network of Southeast Asian journalists.

Twelve journalists from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam participated in the programme.

Gavan noted that no abduction incidents have been reported in the Sulu–Celebes Seas since January 2020.

He explained that the security situation in the southern Philippines differs from that in the West Philippine Sea, as threats in the Sulu-Celebes region are largely linked to terrorism and piracy driven by long-standing secessionist movements and socio-economic challenges.

“The story in the South is different from the story in the West. There has been a collective effort to address even the drivers of that security issue (in West Philippine Sea), which is social. The socio-economic conditions in the area have improved. Trade activities have improved and people have more money,” he said.

According to Gavan, peace accords with major rebel groups, improved governance and better economic opportunities have helped ease the conditions that previously fuelled terrorism and piracy.

He described the strategy as a combination of hard and soft punches — intensified military operations against lawless elements on one hand, and long-term social integration and development measures on the other.

Gavan said more than 4,000 of the PCG’s over 36,000 personnel now come from Muslim communities in the southern Philippines, describing the Coast Guard as one of the most inclusive security agencies in the country.

He said the inclusive approach has contributed to more durable peace and relative prosperity in the area.

“That is one aspect the Coast Guard takes pride in. That’s why there is peace in the area now,” he added.

While welcoming the improved security outlook, Gavan stressed that sustained vigilance and continued regional cooperation remain essential to prevent any resurgence of threats.

-- BERNAMA