The Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia Information Sharing Centre (ReCAAP ISC) reported no piracy incidents in Asian waters for the entirety of 2024 — a historic achievement celebrated during a press conference in Manila on January 21.
“It is a proud moment for ReCAAP as well as all the contracting parties and member states in Asia,” said ReCAAP ISC’s executive director Krishnaswamy Natarajan. “We’re ensuring an incident-free region through the help of local governments.”
Natarajan also highlighted the crucial role of regional enforcement agencies, especially the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). “They are doing a commendable job in the region,” he said, adding that efforts by the PCG and neighboring authorities have significantly bolstered maritime security.
For the Sulu-Celebes Seas, often a hotspot for abductions of crew by lawless elements, 2024 marked another year of no reported incidents. Natarajan confirmed that there were no abductions of crew for ransom in this region last year, attributing the success to sustained vigilance and cooperation among regional governments.
“There are no incidents of abduction of crew for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes area,” he said.
However, according to data from the ReCAAP ISC, a “moderate low” threat level persists, largely due to remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group operating in the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi areas. The group’s diminished capability is a positive development, but ReCAAP ISC stressed the importance of continued efforts to mitigate risks in these areas.
Ship robberies increase by six percent
While piracy incidents were absent, the ReCAAP ISC annual report recorded 107 cases of armed robbery against ships in 2024, reflecting a six percent increase from 2023.
Armed robbery at sea happens within a nation’s territorial sea, and piracy happens in waters beyond the territorial sea.
Armed robbery incidents spanned various maritime regions, with the Straits of Malacca and Singapore (SOMS) accounting for 62 cases, or 58 percent of the total. Other affected areas included Indonesia (22 incidents), Bangladesh (13), and the Philippines (three).
Many of these incidents were described as opportunistic, involving small groups of perpetrators boarding vessels during vulnerable moments. Most occurred under the cover of darkness, between 11.00 pm and 6.00 am, and targeted bulk carriers, tankers, and tugboats.
Despite the rise in robberies, the report noted that 86 percent of cases resulted in no harm to crew members. However, in eight percent of incidents, crew members were tied up by the perpetrators, while in three percent, they were threatened or injured. The most commonly stolen items were ship stores, engine spares, and scrap metal.
Natarajan praised the vigilance of ship crews and patrol forces, which thwarted 11 attempted incidents. “The arrests made by the authorities send a strong message of deterrence to the would-be perpetrators,” he said in an earlier statement.
Manila hosts ReCAAP ISC cluster meeting
The PCG hosted a three-day ReCAAP ISC cluster meeting in Manila from January 21 to 23.
The event brought together delegates from ReCAAP contracting parties, including Cambodia, China, Vietnam, and Thailand, as well as representatives from the Philippine Ports Authority, shipping industry stakeholders, and regional enforcement agencies such as the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency and Indonesia Coast Guard (BAKAMLA).
Discussions during the meeting centered on countermeasures against maritime crimes, including sea robbery, and enhancing cooperation to address emerging threats. Representatives also reviewed strategies to combat transnational crimes like abduction and maritime terrorism.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant and ReCAAP ISC Governor for the Philippines, acknowledged the progress made in addressing maritime security challenges. “The threat of abduction of crew for ransom by the lawless terrorist elements in the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah has been reduced significantly, thanks to sustained countermeasures taken by the Philippine and Malaysian authorities,” he said.
“As a maritime nation and a Contracting Party to ReCAAP, the Philippines remains committed to partnering with regional Focal points to counter the threat of piracy and sea robbery in Southeast Asia,” Gavan added.
Protecting vital trade routes
ReCAAP ISC emphasized the importance of safeguarding Asia’s major shipping lanes, particularly the Straits of Malacca and Singapore, which are among the busiest in the world. These routes are crucial for global commerce, serving as key transit points for commercial vessels and tankers.
“The Straits of Malacca and Singapore, as well as the South China Sea, are some of the world’s busiest and most crucial shipping lanes for commercial vessels and tankers,” Natarajan said.
“By sharing intelligence and best practices, we developed unified strategies to enhance the safety of shipping routes in Asia, address current challenges, and prevent future incidents — thus, supporting the stability of international maritime trade,” he added.
Remaining challenges
While 2024 saw zero piracy incidents, challenges remain. The Straits of Malacca and Singapore continue to be a hotspot for armed robbery, with 84 percent of incidents occurring at night.
Vulnerabilities such as low freeboards and slow-moving vessels make ships susceptible to opportunistic crimes.
The report also highlighted an increase in incidents involving armed perpetrators. Knives and gun-like objects were commonly used to intimidate crew members, though they were rarely deployed to cause harm. For the first time since 2020, two incidents involved perpetrators taking crew members hostage, though no fatalities were reported.
ReCAAP ISC encouraged stakeholders to maintain vigilance and utilize tools like its mobile application for timely reporting of incidents. “The timely reporting of incidents and response by authorities will further deter illegal acts by opportunistic criminals,” Natarajan said.
Photo credit: Liz Lagniton. Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, PCG Commandant and ReCAAP ISC Governor for the Philippines (left), and ReCAAP ISC Executive Director Krishnaswamy Natarajan address media inquiries during a press conference at a hotel in Manila on January 21, 2025.