View source for Abu Sayyaf

{{Short description|Jihadist militant group in the Philippines}}
{{about|the Filipino Islamist group|individuals known as Abu Sayyaf and other uses|Abu Sayyaf (disambiguation)}}
{{protection padlock|small=yes}}
{{Use Philippine English|date=October 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}
{{Infobox War Faction
| name             = Abu Sayyaf
| image            = Islamic State - East Asia Province.svg{{!}}class=skin-invert
| war              = [[Moro conflict]], [[Cross border attacks in Sabah]], [[war on terror]], [[South Thailand insurgency]], [[Philippine drug war]], [[Siege of Marawi]]
| caption          = The logo of ISIL, which was adopted by Abu Sayyaf
| active           = 1991<ref>{{cite book|last=Banlaoi|first=Rommel|title=Al-Harakatul Al-Islamiyyah: Essays on the Abu Sayyaf Group, Terrorism in the Philippines from Al-Qaeda to ISIS|date=2019|publisher=Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research|location=Quezon City Philippines|oclc=828628004|page=215|edition=4th|url=https://www.academia.edu/40446207|access-date=October 5, 2019}}</ref>–2024<ref name="ASG dismantled">{{cite news|last=Mendoza |first=John Eric |title=Abu Sayyaf now 'dismantled' after over 30 years – Westmincom chief|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1922001/abu-sayyaf-now-dismantled-after-over-three-decades-says-westmincom-chief|access-date=23 March 2024|date=22 March 2024|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref><ref name="ASG destruction">{{cite web|title=Philippine police kill an Abu Sayyaf militant implicated in 15 beheadings and other atrocities|url=https://apnews.com/article/philippines-abu-sayyaf-rebel-killed-basilan-bf9e3ddfccc1983ca35668bc9ef9d44f|access-date=26 March 2024|date=26 March 2024|last=Gomez|first=Jim|work=Associated Press}}</ref>
| ideology         = [[Ideology of the Islamic State|Islamic Statism]]
| leaders          = [[Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani]]{{KIA|alt=yes}}<br />[[Khadaffy Janjalani]]{{KIA|alt=yes}}<br />[[Abu Sabaya]]{{KIA|alt=yes}}<br />[[Jainal Antel Sali Jr.]]{{KIA|alt=yes}}<br />[[Albader Parad]]{{KIA|alt=yes}}<br />[[Isnilon Hapilon]]{{KIA|alt=yes}}<ref name="Abu Sayyaf leader swears oath of loyalty to ISIL" /><ref name="the War on ISIS">{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/3723588/the-war-on-isis/|title=What Comes After the War on ISIS|author=David Von Drehle|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]]|access-date=July 18, 2015|date=February 26, 2015}}</ref><br />Mahmur Japuri{{KIA|alt=yes}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114276/abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-killed-in-sulu-encounter|title=Abu Sayyaf sub-leader killed in Sulu encounter|work=InterAksyon.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150717134424/http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114276/abu-sayyaf-sub-leader-killed-in-sulu-encounter|archive-date=July 17, 2015}}</ref><br />[[Hajan Sawadjaan]]{{KIA|alt=yes}}<br /> [[Radullan Sahiron]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rewardsforjustice.net/rewards/radullan-sahiron/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130225160500/http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/index.cfm?page=sahiron&language=English|url-status=dead|title=Radullan Sahiron – Rewards For Justice|archive-date=February 25, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/wanted_terrorists/raddulan-sahiron/view|title=FBI – Raddulan Sahiron|work=FBI|access-date=November 13, 2014}}</ref>
| headquarters     = [[Jolo, Sulu|Jolo]], Sulu, Philippines<ref name="Abu Sayyaf stronghold">{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20090508-jolo-stronghold-islamist-group-abu-sayyaf-|title=Jolo, stronghold of Islamist group Abu Sayyaf|work=France 24|date=May 8, 2009|access-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref>
| area             = 
| partof           = {{flag|Islamic State}}
| clans            = 
| size             = ≤20 members (April 2023 {{estimation}})<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2023/04/05/abu-sayyaf-a-threat-no-more|title=Abu Sayyaf a threat no more|last1=Vanar|first1=Muguntan|last2=Lee|first2=Stephanie|work=The Star|date=5 April 2023|access-date=December 24, 2024}}</ref>
| allies           = [[14K (triad)|14K]]<ref name="Miani 2011">{{cite book|author=Lino Miani|title=The Sulu Arms Market: National Responses to a Regional Problem|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=IWpYd_qYhc8C&pg=PA74|year=2011|publisher=Institute of Southeast Asian|isbn=978-981-4311-11-3|page=74}}</ref><br />{{flagicon image|AQMI Flag asymmetric.svg}} [[Maute Group]]<br />{{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} [[Al-Qaeda]] (formerly)
| opponents        = {{flag|Philippines}}<ref name="PH terror group designation">{{cite news|url=http://www.iran-daily.com/News/126636.html|title=Abu Sayyaf declared as terrorist organization in Philippines|newspaper=Iran Daily|date=September 10, 2015|access-date=November 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017062945/http://www.iran-daily.com/News/126636.html|archive-date=October 17, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> 
{{collapsible list|bullets = yes | title = Other combatants: 
| {{flag|Australia}}<ref name="AU terror group designation">{{cite web |url=http://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Listedterroristorganisations/Pages/AbuSayyafGroup.aspx |title=Australian National Security, Terrorist organisations, Abu Sayyaf Group|publisher=Australian Government|date=July 12, 2013|access-date=November 30, 2015|archive-date=December 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224194939/https://www.nationalsecurity.gov.au/Listedterroristorganisations/Pages/AbuSayyafGroup.aspx}}</ref>
| {{flag|Brunei}}
| {{flag|Cambodia}} 
| {{flag|Canada}}<ref name="cpto">{{cite web|url=http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/lstd-ntts/crrnt-lstd-ntts-eng.aspx|title=Currently listed entities|publisher=Public Safety Canada|access-date=March 31, 2016|date=December 16, 2015}}</ref> 
| {{flag|China}}
| {{flag|East Timor}}
| {{flag|Fiji}} 
| {{flag|France}} 
| {{flag|Indonesia}}<ref name="kill Abu Sayyaf">{{cite web|url=http://m.nasional.rimanews.com/keamanan/read/20160329/270652/Indonesia-Tak-Boleh-Tunduk-Terhadap-Terorisme-Abus-Sayyaf-|archive-url=https://archive.today/20160425095842/http://m.nasional.rimanews.com/keamanan/read/20160329/270652/Indonesia-Tak-Boleh-Tunduk-Terhadap-Terorisme-Abus-Sayyaf-|archive-date=April 25, 2016|title=Indonesia Tak Boleh Tunduk Terhadap Terorisme Abus Sayyaf!|author=Febrianto|language=id|publisher=Rima News|date=March 29, 2016|url-status=usurped|access-date=March 30, 2016}}</ref> 
| {{flag|Japan}}<ref name=PSIA>{{cite web|url=http://www.moj.go.jp/psia/ITH/organizations/ES_E-asia_oce/ASG.html|title=Abu Sayyaf Group|publisher=Public Safety Intelligence Agency|access-date=July 16, 2017}}</ref>
| {{flag|Kiribati}} 
| {{flag|Laos}}
| {{flag|Malaysia}}<ref name="hunt down">{{cite news|url=http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=104582|title=Hunt down the killers, CM tells Manila|newspaper=[[Daily Express (Malaysia)|Daily Express]]|date=November 19, 2015|access-date=November 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403092239/http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=104582|archive-date=April 3, 2016 }}</ref> 
| {{flag|Marshall Islands}} 
| {{flag|Federated States of Micronesia|name=Micronesia}} 
| {{flag|Mongolia}}
| {{flag|Myanmar}}
| {{flag|Nauru}} 
| {{flag|New Zealand}} 
| {{flag|North Korea}}
| {{flag|Palau}} 
| {{flag|Papua New Guinea}} 
| {{flag|Russia}}
| {{flag|Samoa}}
| {{flag|Singapore}} 
| {{flag|Solomon Islands}}
| {{flag|South Korea}}
| {{flag|Taiwan}} 
| {{flag|Thailand}} 
| {{flag|Tonga}} 
| {{flag|Tuvalu}} 
| {{flag|United Kingdom}}<ref name="Proscribed">{{cite act |title=[[Terrorism Act 2000]] |number=11 |year=2000 |article=2 |articletype=Schedule |url=http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/11/schedule/2}}</ref> 
| {{flag|United States}}<ref name="US terror group designation">{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/507386/news/nation/us-govt-lists-npa-abu-sayyaf-ji-among-foreign-terrorist-organizations-in-phl|title=US govt lists NPA, Abu Sayyaf, JI among foreign terrorist organizations in PHL|author=Joel Locsin|publisher=GMA News|date=June 20, 2015|access-date=November 20, 2015}}</ref> 
| {{flag|Vanuatu}} 
| {{flag|Vietnam}}<ref name="attack on fishermen">{{cite web|url=http://dtinews.vn/en/news/017004/36946/filipino-pirates-attack-vietnamese-fishermen-near-banggi.html|title=Filipino pirates attack Vietnamese fishermen near Banggi|work=Borneo Post|publisher=Dantri|date=October 16, 2014|access-date=April 3, 2016}}</ref><ref name="AS involved">{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2014/10/16/abu-sayyaf-suspected-of-shooting-fishing-boat/|title=Abu Sayyaf suspected of shooting fishing boat|author=Stephanie Lee|work=The Star|date=October 16, 2014|access-date=April 3, 2016}}</ref> 
| {{flagicon image|MNLF flag.svg}} [[Moro National Liberation Front]]<ref name="MNLF against Abus">{{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/mnlf-faction-helps-troops-in-hunt-for-abu-sayyaf-1.152911|title=MNLF faction helps troops in hunt for Abu Sayyaf|author=Gilbert Felongco|newspaper=Gulf News|date=January 30, 2007|access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref> 
| {{flagicon image|Flag of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.svg}} [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]]<ref name="MILF against Abus">{{cite news|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/139216/milf-helps-in-hunt-for-abu-sayyaf-calls-ridsdel-beheading-anti-islam|title=MILF helps in hunt for Abu Sayyaf, calls Ridsdel beheading anti-Islam|author=Jeoffrey Maitem|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=May 3, 2016|access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref> 
| {{flagicon image|Flag of Jihad.svg}} {{flagicon image|Flag of Islamic State of Indonesia.svg}} [[Jemaah Islamiyah]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2018/10/jemaah-islamiyah-still-southeast-asias-greatest-terrorist-threat/|title=Jemaah Islamiyah: Still Southeast Asia's Greatest Terrorist Threat|author=Singh, Bilveer|date=October 7, 2018|access-date=April 15, 2021|work=The Diplomat}}</ref> (until 2024)<ref>{{cite web 
|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/indonesia-s-ji-terror-group-declares-dissolution-but-security-threat-remains-say-analysts 
|title=Indonesia's JI terror group declares dissolution, but security threat remains, say analysts 
|work=The Straits Times 
|date=3 July 2024 
|access-date=4 July 2024}}</ref>}}
}}

'''Abu Sayyaf''' ('''ASG'''),{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=En-us-Abu Sayyaf from Philippines pronunciation (Voice of America).ogg|ˈ|ɑː|b|uː|_|s|ɑː|ˈ|j|ɑː|f}}; {{langx|ar|جماعة أبو سياف|Jamāʿat Abū Sayyāf}}; {{langx|fil|Grupong Abu Sayyaf}}}}<ref name=ASG>{{cite web |last=Banlaoi |first=Rommel |title=Al Harakatul Al Islamiyah: Essays on the Abu Sayyaf Group |url=http://pipvtr.com/pipvtr/files/Book_AHAI_Essays_on_ASG_Book_Banlaoi_2008.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110824123839/http://pipvtr.com/pipvtr/files/Book_AHAI_Essays_on_ASG_Book_Banlaoi_2008.pdf |archive-date=August 24, 2011}}</ref> officially known by the [[Islamic State]] as the '''Islamic State – East Asia Province''',{{efn|{{langx|ar|ولاية شرق آسيا|Wilāyat Šārq Āsiyā}}}}<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Zenn |first=Jacob |date=2019 |title=The Islamic State's Provinces on the Peripheries: Juxtaposing the Pledges from Boko Haram in Nigeria and Abu Sayyaf and Maute Group in the Philippines |journal=Perspectives on Terrorism |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=87–104 |jstor=26590511 |issn=2334-3745}}</ref> also known by its full name, '''Al Hamas Harakat Al Muqawamah Al Islamiyyah''' or simply '''Al Harakat Al Islamiyya''',<ref name=ASG/> was a [[Jihadist]] [[militant]] and [[piracy|pirate]] group that followed the [[Wahhabi]] doctrine of [[Sunni Islam]]. It was based in and around [[Jolo]] and [[Basilan]] islands in the southwestern part of the [[Philippines]], where for more than five decades, [[Moro people|Moro]] groups had been engaged in an [[insurgency]] seeking to make [[Moro Province]] independent. The group was considered violent<ref name="csis-AS">{{cite web|last1=Feldman|first1=Jack|title=Abu Sayyaf|url=http://csis.org/files/publication/111128_Fellman_ASG_AQAMCaseStudy5.pdf|publisher=Center for Strategic and International Studies|access-date=May 16, 2015|archive-date=April 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417072952/http://csis.org/files/publication/111128_Fellman_ASG_AQAMCaseStudy5.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> and was responsible for the Philippines' worst terrorist attack, the [[2004 SuperFerry 14 bombing|bombing of the MV ''Superferry 14'' in 2004]], which killed 116 people.<ref name=banloai/> The name of the group was derived from Arabic {{Lang|ar-latn|[[Abu (Arabic term)|abu]]}} (أبو; "father of"), and {{Lang|ar-latn|sayyaf}} (سيّاف; "swordsmith").<ref name="24threlease">[https://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel06/mostwantedterrorists022406.htm FBI Updates Most Wanted Terrorists and Seeking Information – War on Terrorism Lists], ''FBI national Press Release'', February 24, 2006 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830144046/https://www.fbi.gov/pressrel/pressrel06/mostwantedterrorists022406.htm |date=August 30, 2010}}</ref> {{As of|2023|April}}, the group was estimated to have about 20 members,<ref name="ASG commander killed">{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/06/13/abu-sayyaf-commander-linked-to-sabah-kidnappings-killed-by-philippines-forces|title=Abu Sayyaf commander linked to Sabah kidnappings killed by Philippines forces|last=Vanar|first=Muguntan|work=The Star|date=13 June 2021|access-date=24 December 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref> down from 1,250 in 2000.<ref name="east-3">{{cite book|last1=East|first1=Robert|title=Terror Truncated: The Decline of the Abu Sayyaf Group from the Crucial Year 2002|date=2013|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|page=3|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=pzgyBwAAQBAJ|page=2}}|access-date=May 17, 2015|isbn=9781443866699}}</ref> They used mostly [[improvised explosive device]]s, mortars and automatic rifles in their attacks.

The group has carried out [[bombing]]s, [[kidnapping]]s, assassinations and [[extortion]].<ref name="banlaoi">{{Cite journal |last=Banlaoi |first=Rommel C. |author-link=Rommel Banlaoi |year=2006 |title=Abu Sayyaf Group: From Mere Banditry to Genuine Terrorism |url=https://muse.jhu.edu/article/399610 |journal=Southeast Asian Affairs |volume=2006 |issue=1 |pages=247–262 |article-number=SEAA06O |doi=10.1355/SEAA06O|doi-broken-date=July 1, 2025 |url-access=subscription }}</ref> It has been involved in [[Organized crime|criminal]] activities, including rape, [[Child sexual abuse|child sexual assault]], [[forced marriage]],<ref>{{cite news |author=Mendez |first=Christina |date=May 25, 2002 |title=Deborah married to Sayyaf leader? |newspaper=The Philippine Star |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2002/05/25/162110/deborah-married-sayyaf-leader |access-date=April 3, 2016}}</ref> [[drive-by shooting]]s and drug trafficking.<ref>{{cite book |last=Martin |first=Gus |author-link=C. Augustus Martin |year=2012 |title=Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives, and Issues |publisher=Sage Publications |page=319}}</ref> The goals of the group "appear to have alternated over time between criminal objectives and a more ideological intent".<ref name="USDS-ASG">{{cite web|title=ABU SAYYAF GROUP (ASG)|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/j/ct/rls/crt/2011/195553.htm#asg|website=US Department of State}}</ref>

The group was designated a [[List of designated terrorist groups|terrorist group]]<!-- see link for inclusion of national bodies --> by Australia,<ref name="AU terror group designation"/> Canada,<ref name="cpto"/> Indonesia,<ref name="kill Abu Sayyaf"/> Japan,<ref name=PSIA /> Malaysia,<ref name="hunt down"/> the Philippines,<ref name="PH terror group designation"/> the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom<ref name="Proscribed"/> and the United States.<ref name="US terror group designation"/><ref name="TKBAbu">{{cite web|url=http://tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=204|title=Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)|publisher=MIPT Terrorism Knowledge Base|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827045351/http://www.tkb.org/Group.jsp?groupID=204|archive-date=August 27, 2006|access-date=September 20, 2006}}</ref> From January 15, 2002, to February 24, 2015,<ref name="JSOTF-P">{{Cite web |last=LaGrone |first=Sam |date=2015-02-27 |title=U.S. Officially Ends Special Operations Task Force in the Philippines, Some Advisors May Remain |url=https://news.usni.org/2015/02/27/u-s-officially-ends-special-operations-task-force-in-the-philippines-some-advisors-may-remain |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=USNI News |language=en-US}}</ref> fighting Abu Sayyaf became a mission of the American military's [[Operation Enduring Freedom – Philippines|Operation Enduring Freedom]] and part of the [[War on Terror|Global War on Terrorism]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-09-01 |title=Flashpoint: No bungle in the jungle |url=http://armedforcesjournal.com/flashpoint-no-bungle-in-the-jungle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071021075220/http://www.armedforcesjournal.com/2007/09/2926516 |archive-date=21 October 2007 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=Armed Forces Journal |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="GMA&others">{{cite news |title=2 US Navy men, 1 Marine killed in Sulu land mine blast |newspaper=[[GMA Network|GMA News]] |date=September 29, 2009 |url=http://www.gmanews.tv/story/173383/2-us-navy-men-1-marine-killed-in-sulu-land-mine-blast |access-date=September 29, 2009 |quote=Two US Navy personnel and one Philippine Marine soldier were killed when a land mine exploded along a road in Indanan, Sulu Tuesday morning, an official said. The American fatalities were members of the US Navy construction brigade, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. He did not disclose the identities of all three casualties. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002030114/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/173383/2-us-navy-men-1-marine-killed-in-sulu-land-mine-blast |archive-date=October 2, 2009 |url-status=live }} and <br />{{cite news |title=2 US troops killed in Philippines blast |author=Jim Gomez |work=CBS News |date=September 29, 2009 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2-us-troops-killed-in-philippines-blast/ |access-date=January 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202201004/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/29/world/main5348332.shtml |archive-date=February 2, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="VOA Pentagon">{{cite news |title=Pentagon Says Troops Killed in Philippines Hit by Roadside Bomb |work=[[Voice of America]] |date=November 7, 2009 |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/a-13-2009-09-29-voa12/415161.html |access-date=January 12, 2011 }}</ref><ref name="AJ blast">{{cite news |title=Troops killed in Philippines blast |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=September 29, 2009 |url=http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/09/20099298614751808.html |access-date=September 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091003002858/http://english.aljazeera.net/news/asia-pacific/2009/09/20099298614751808.html |archive-date=October 3, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Several hundred U.S. soldiers were stationed in the area primarily to train Filipino troops in counter-terror and counter-guerrilla operations, but, following a [[status of forces agreement]] and under Philippine law, they were not allowed to engage in direct combat.<ref name="VOA Pentagon"/><ref name="AJ blast"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=September 29, 2009 |title=2 U.S. Troops Killed in Philippines Blast |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2-us-troops-killed-in-philippines-blast/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202201004/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/09/29/world/main5348332.shtml |archive-date=2 February 2011 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=CBS News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=2 US Navy men, 1 Marine killed in Sulu land mine blast |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/173383/2-us-navy-men-1-marine-killed-in-sulu-land-mine-blast/story/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091002030114/http://www.gmanews.tv/story/173383/2-us-navy-men-1-marine-killed-in-sulu-land-mine-blast |archive-date=October 2, 2009 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=GMA News Online |date= September 29, 2009|language=en |quote=Two US Navy personnel and one Philippine Marine soldier were killed when a land mine exploded along a road in Indanan, Sulu Tuesday morning, an official said. The American fatalities were members of the US Navy construction brigade, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview. He did not disclose the identities of all three casualties}}</ref>

The group was founded by [[Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani]], and led after his death in 1998 by his younger brother [[Khadaffy Janjalani]] until his death in 2006. On July 23, 2014, [[Isnilon Hapilon]], one of the group's leaders, swore an [[Bay'ah|oath of loyalty]] to [[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]], the leader of the [[Islamic State]] (IS).<ref name="Abu Sayyaf leader swears oath of loyalty to ISIL">{{cite web |last=Ressa |first=Maria Angelita |author-link=Maria Ressa |date=August 4, 2014 |title=Senior Abu Sayyaf leader swears oath to ISIS |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/65199-abu-sayyaf-leader-oath-isis |access-date=July 18, 2015 |work=Rappler}}</ref> In September 2014, the group began kidnapping people for ransom, in the name of the IS.<ref name="Abu Sayyaf kidnaps 2 Germans in the name of ISIL">{{Cite news |author=Oltermann |first=Philip |date=September 24, 2014 |title=Islamists in Philippines threaten to kill German hostages |newspaper=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/sep/24/islamists-philippines-threaten-kill-german-hostages-isis |access-date=July 18, 2015}}</ref><ref name="SherwellHostageBiz">{{cite news|last1=Sherwell|first1=Philip|title=How Abu Sayyaf makes a business of beheadings as Islamist terror gang releases 'final message' hostage video|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=June 14, 2016|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=May 23, 2016}}</ref>

Since the "All-Out-War" directive was issued in 2019 during the term of President [[Rodrigo Duterte]] over continuous attacks perpetrated by Abu Sayyaf towards civilians, especially after the [[2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings|Jolo Cathedral bombings]], this has greatly diminished the terror group, with many of their leaders and members being killed and arrested, while former followers who returned to normal lives were reintegrated into society after serving their time in prison and undergoing rehabilitation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/11/23/2402305/former-abu-sayyaf-members-reintegrated-society|title=Former Abu Sayyaf members reintegrated in society|last=Crisostomo|first=Sheila|work=The Philippine Star|date=23 November 2024|access-date=23 December 2024}}</ref> On March 22, 2024, the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|AFP]]'s [[Western Mindanao Command]] (WESTMINCOM) announced that the Abu Sayyaf group had been dismantled.<ref name="ASG dismantled"/>
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==Background and history==
In the early 1970s, the [[Moro National Liberation Front]] (MNLF) was the main Muslim rebel group fighting in [[Basilan]] and [[Mindanao]].<ref name="TKBAbu" /> [[Abdurajik Abubakar Janjalani|Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani]], the older brother of [[Khadaffy Janjalani]], had been a teacher from Basilan, who studied Islamic theology and [[Arabic]] in Libya, [[Syria]] and [[Saudi Arabia]] during the 1980s.<ref name="PacCom">{{cite web |last=Clark |first=Emily |date=September 21, 2006 |title=Abu Sayyaf History |url=http://www.pacom.mil/piupdates/abusayyafhist.shtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090123213349/http://www.pacom.mil/piupdates/abusayyafhist.shtml |archive-date=January 23, 2009 |publisher=U.S. Pacific Command}}</ref><ref name="BBCWho">{{cite news |date=December 30, 2000 |title=Who are the Abu Sayyaf? |publisher=BBC |location=London |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/719623.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616134727/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/719623.stm |archive-date=June 16, 2022}}</ref> Abdurajak went to Afghanistan to fight against the [[Soviet Union]] and the Afghan government during the [[Soviet–Afghan War]]. During that period, he was alleged to have met [[Osama bin Laden]] and been given $6&nbsp;million to establish a more Islamic group drawn from the MNLF.<ref name="NBR">{{cite web |last=Abuza |first=Zachary |date=December 5, 2003 |title=Funding Terrorism in Southeast Asia: The Financial Network of Al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah |url=http://www.nbr.org/publications/analysis/pdf/vol14no5.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060927184541/http://www.nbr.org/publications/analysis/pdf/vol14no5.pdf |archive-date=September 27, 2006 |access-date=September 20, 2006 |publisher=The National Bureau of Asian Research}}</ref> Both Abdurajak Abubakar and Khadaffy were natives of [[Isabela, Basilan|Isabela City]], one of the poorest [[cities of the Philippines]] and capital of Basilan.<ref>{{cite book|last=Banlaoi|first=Rommel|title=Al-Harakatul Al-Islamiyyah: Essays on the Abu Sayyaf Group, Terrorism in the Philippines from Al A Qaeda to ISIS|url=https://www.academia.edu/40446207|via=Academia| date=January 2019 |publisher=Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research|access-date=October 5, 2019}}</ref>

===Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani leadership (1989–1998)===
In the early 1990s, the MNLF moderated into governing the [[Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao]], becoming the ruling government in majority Muslim areas of Mindanao in 1996. When Abdurajak returned to Basilan in 1990, he gathered radical members of the old MNLF who wanted to resume armed struggle and in 1991 established the Abu Sayyaf.<ref name="TKBAbu" /> Janjalani was funded by a Saudi Islamist, [[Mohammed Jamal Khalifa]], who came to the Philippines in 1987 or 1988 and was head of the Philippine branch of the [[International Islamic Relief Organization]] foundation. A defector from Abu Sayyaf told Filipino authorities, "The IIRO was behind the construction of Mosques, school buildings, and other livelihood projects" but only "in areas penetrated, highly influenced and controlled by the Abu Sayyaf". According to the defector, "Only 10 to 30% of the foreign funding goes to the legitimate relief and livelihood projects and the rest go to terrorist operations".<ref name="abuza">{{Cite journal |last=Abuza |first=Zachary |date=2003 |title=Funding Terrorism in Southeast Asia: The Financial Network of Al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/25798639 |journal=Contemporary Southeast Asia |volume=25 |issue=2 |pages=169–199 |jstor=25798639 |s2cid=153657097 |issn=0129-797X}}</ref><ref>
{{cite web|title=National Commission on Terrorist Attacks upon the United States|url=http://govinfo.library.unt.edu/911/archive/hearing3/9-11Commission_Hearing_2003-07-09.htm|access-date=June 19, 2012|date=July 9, 2003|quote=Mr. Gunaratna: Sir, Mohammad Jamal Khalifa&nbsp;... arrived in the Philippines in 1988 and he became the first director, the founding director, of the International Islamic Relief Organization of Saudi Arabia.}}</ref><ref name="TFSR-120">{{cite book|last1=Giraldo|first1=Jeanne K.|last2=Trinkunas|first2=Harold A.|title=Terrorism Financing and State Responses: A Comparative Perspective|publisher=Stanford University Press|page=120|url={{google books|plainurl=y |id=BOfC7vJOsdIC|page=120}}|access-date=May 13, 2015}}</ref><ref name="HC-MJK">{{cite web |last=Khalifa |first=Mohammed Jamal |title=Complete 911 Timeline. Mohammed Jamal Khalifa |url=http://www.historycommons.org/timeline.jsp?other_al-qaeda_operatives=complete_911_timeline_mohammed_jamal_khalifa&timeline=complete_911_timeline |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518092750/http://www.historycommons.org/timeline.jsp?other_al-qaeda_operatives=complete_911_timeline_mohammed_jamal_khalifa&timeline=complete_911_timeline |archive-date=May 18, 2015 |website=History Commons}}</ref> Khalifa married a local woman, Alice "Jameelah" Yabo.<ref>{{cite book|last=Abuza|first=Zachary|title=Balik-Terrorism: The Return of the Abu Sayyaf|publisher=Strategic Studies Institute, US Army War College|location=Carlisle PA|isbn=978-1-58487-208-5|url=http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub625.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/pub625.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=dead|page=47|date=September 2005|access-date=June 19, 2012|quote=Based on IIRO documents at the PSEC, Khalifa was one of five incorporators who signed the documents of registration; another was Khalifa's wife, Alice 'Jameelah' Yabo.}}</ref>

By 1995, Abu Sayyaf was active in large-scale bombings and attacks. The first attack was the assault on the town of [[Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay|Ipil]], [[Zamboanga del Sur]] in April 1995. This year marked the escape of 20-year-old Khadaffy Janjalani from [[Camp Crame]] in [[Manila]] along with another member named Jovenal Bruno. On December 18, 1998, Abdurajak was killed in a gun battle with the [[Philippine National Police]] in [[Basilan]].<ref name="TimeAsiaReturn" /> He was thought to have been about 39.<ref name="BBCWho" />

The death of Aburajak marked a turning point in Abu Sayyaf operations. The group shifted to kidnappings, murders, and robberies, under his younger brother Khadaffy. The [[Sulu Archipelago]] experienced some of the fiercest fights between government troops and Abu Sayyaf through the early 1990s. It was reported that Abu Sayyaf began expanding into neighboring [[Malaysia]] and [[Indonesia]] by that time.<ref name="PacCom" />

=== Khadaffy Janjalani leadership (1999–2007) ===
Until his death in a gun battle on September 4, 2006, [[Khadaffy Janjalani|Khaddafy Janjalani]] was considered the nominal leader of the group by the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]]. Then-23-year-old Khadaffy took leadership of one of the Abu Sayyaf's factions in an internecine struggle.<ref name="TimeAsiaReturn" /><ref name="BBCFresh">{{cite news|title=Fresh fighting in S Philippines|publisher=BBC|date=September 7, 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/5322680.stm|location=London}}</ref> He then worked to consolidate his leadership, causing the group to appear inactive for a period. After his leadership was secured, Abu Sayyaf began a new strategy, taking hostages. The group's motive for kidnapping became more financial than religious during this period, according to locals. Hostage money probably provides the group's financing.<ref name="NBR" />

Abu Sayyaf expanded its operations to Malaysia in 2000, when it [[2000 Sipadan kidnappings|abducted]] foreigners from two resorts. This action was condemned by most Islamic leaders. It was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of more than 30 foreigners and Christian clerics and workers, including Martin and [[Gracia Burnham]].<ref name="CNNCapture">{{cite news|title=Manilla captures senior Abu Sayyaf|publisher=CNN|date=December 7, 2003|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/12/07/philippines.abusayyaf/index.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Ex-hostage describes jungle ordeal|publisher=CNN|date=May 9, 2003|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/US/05/08/cnna.burnham/index.html}}</ref> An influential commander named [[Abu Sabaya]] was killed at sea in June 2002 while trying to evade local forces.<ref name="ict">{{cite web|title=Prominent Abu Sayyaf Commander Believed Dead|url=http://www.ict.org.il/spotlight/det.cfm?id=796|publisher=Institute for Counter-Terrorism|access-date=September 20, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060105081224/http://www.ict.org.il/spotlight/det.cfm?id=796|archive-date=January 5, 2006}}</ref> His death was considered a crucial turning point for the group, as the number of operatives working for Abu Sayyaf sharply decreased from 1,100 in 2001 to 450 in late 2002, and had since been stagnant for the next ten years.<ref name="East">{{cite book|last=East|first=Bob|author-link=Bob East|title=Terror Truncated: The Decline of the Abu Sayyaf Group from the Crucial Year 2002|date=2013|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing|location=[[Newcastle upon Tyne]], United Kingdom|isbn=978-1-4438-4461-1|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pzgyBwAAQBAJ|access-date=December 3, 2019|pages=3, 23}}</ref>

Ghalib Andang, alias Commander Robot, one of the group's leaders, was captured in [[Sulu]] in December 2003.<ref name="TimeAsiaReturn" /><ref name="CNNCapture" /><ref name="BBCProfiles">{{cite news|title=Profiles of dead Abu Sayyaf leaders|publisher=BBC|date=March 15, 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4350033.stm|location=London}}</ref><ref name="BBCBloody">{{cite news|title=Bloody end to Manila jail break|publisher=BBC|date=March 15, 2005|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4349471.stm|location=London}}</ref> On 14 March 2005, inmates from the [[Abu Sayyaf Group]] rioted inside [[Camp Bagong Diwa]] in [[Taguig]] in an apparent escape attempt and barricaded the second floor of the building, leading to a standoff which ended the next day when government forces stormed the prison. 24 Abu Sayyaf members, including Commanders Robot, Kosovo (Alhamser Limbong) and Global (Nadjmi Sabdullah), were killed, along with three prison guards and a police officer.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Punay|first=Edu|date=16 March 2005 |title=Troops storm jail; 23 dead|url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2005/03/16/270518/troops-storm-jail-23-dead |access-date=2 July 2023 |website=Philstar.com|language=en-US}}</ref>

An explosion at a military base in Jolo, on February 18, 2006, was blamed on the group by Brig. General Alexander Aleo.<ref name="bbc">{{cite news|title=Blast at US Philippines army base|publisher=BBC|date=February 18, 2006|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4727842.stm|location=London}}</ref> Khadaffy was indicted in the [[United States District Court for the District of Columbia]] for his alleged involvement in terrorist attacks, including hostage-taking and murder, against United States nationals and other foreign nationals.<ref name="BBCIndict">{{cite news|title=US indicts Abu Sayyaf leaders|publisher=BBC|date=July 23, 2002|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2147381.stm|location=London}}</ref> Consequently, on February 24, 2006, Khadaffy was among six fugitives in the second and most recent group of indicted fugitives to be added to the [[FBI Most Wanted Terrorists]] list along with two fellow members, [[Isnilon Totoni Hapilon]] and [[Jainal Antel Sali Jr.]]<ref name="CNNFBI">{{cite news|title=FBI puts al-Zarqawi high on its list|date=February 24, 2006|publisher=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/02/24/zarqawi.mostwanted/index.html}}</ref><ref name="HouseIndict">{{cite news|title=Tiahrt responds to the Abu Sayyaf terrorist indictments|publisher=United States House of Representatives|url=http://www.house.gov/tiahrt/communications/press_releases/2002/07232002.htm|access-date=September 20, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060910033008/http://www.house.gov/tiahrt/communications/press_releases/2002/07232002.htm|archive-date=September 10, 2006|url-status=live}}</ref>

On December 13, 2006, it was reported that Abu Sayyaf members may have been planning attacks during the [[Association of Southeast Asian Nations]] (ASEAN) summit in the Philippines. The group was reported to have trained alongside [[Jemaah Islamiyah]] militants. The plot was reported to have involved detonating a car bomb in [[Cebu City]] where the summit was to take place.<ref>{{cite news |last=Bayron |first=Heda |date=December 13, 2006 |title=Manila Again Denies Terror Plot Led to Postponement of Asia Summits |publisher=Voice of America (VoA) |url=http://voanews.com/english/2006-12-13-voa11.cfm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20061213232350/http://voanews.com/english/2006-12-13-voa11.cfm?renderforprint=1&textonly=1&&CFID=40218514&CFTOKEN=43906189 |archive-date=December 13, 2006}}</ref> On December 27, the Philippine military reported that Khaddafi's remains had been recovered near Patikul, in Jolo and that DNA tests had been ordered to confirm the discovery. He was allegedly shot in the neck in an encounter with government troops in September on Luba Hills in [[Patikul, Sulu]].

===2010–2024===
In a video published in the summer of 2014, senior Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and other masked men swore their allegiance or "[[bay'ah]]" to [[Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi]], the "[[Islamic State]]" (IS) caliph. "We pledge to obey him on anything which our hearts desire or not and to value him more than anyone else. We will not take any emir (leader) other than him unless we see in him any obvious act of disbelief that could be questioned by Allah in the hereafter."<ref name="IBT-9-2014">{{cite news|last=FlorCruz|first=Michelle|title=Philippine Terror Group Abu Sayyaf May Be Using ISIS Link For Own Agenda|url=http://www.ibtimes.com/philippine-terror-group-abu-sayyaf-may-be-using-isis-link-own-agenda-1695156|access-date=May 16, 2015|work=[[International Business Times]]|date=September 25, 2014}}</ref> For many years prior to this, Islamic State's competitor, al-Qaeda, had the support of Abu Sayyaf "through various connections".<ref name="IBT-9-2014"/> Observers were skeptical about whether the pledge would lead to Abu Sayyaf becoming an ISIS outpost in Southeast Asia, or was simply a way for the group to take advantage of the newer group's international publicity.<ref name="IBT-9-2014"/>

In May 2017, Hapilon and other members of Abu Sayyaf joined the Islamic extremist [[Maute Group]] based in [[Lanao del Sur]] during their attempt to seize control of [[Marawi City]], sparking the [[Battle of Marawi]] which destroyed much of the city and ended with his killing, along with that of Maute leader [[Omar Maute]] by government forces in October.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/16/17/terrorists-isnilon-hapilon-omar-maute-killed-in-marawi-battle|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016060906/http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/16/17/terrorists-isnilon-hapilon-omar-maute-killed-in-marawi-battle|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 16, 2017|title=Terrorists Isnilon Hapilon, Omar Maute killed in Marawi battle|work=ABS-CBN News|access-date=October 16, 2017}}</ref>

In August 2020, MNLF chairman [[Nur Misuari]] turned in Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Anduljihad "Idang" Susukan to the [[Philippine National Police]] four months after Susukan surrendered to Misuari in [[Davao City]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Mangosing|first=Frances|title=PH military unaware Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan was in Davao City, Lorenzana says|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1321409/ph-military-unaware-abu-sayyaf-leader-susukan-was-in-davao-city-lorenzana-says|access-date=August 14, 2020|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer News |date=August 13, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Marquez|first1=Consuelo|last2=Alipala|first2=Julie S.|title=Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan handed over to police; PNP chief thanks Misuari|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1321425/abu-sayyaf-leader-susukan-handed-over-to-police-pnp-chief-thanks-misuari|access-date=August 14, 2020|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer News |date=August 13, 2020}}</ref>

By 2022, the Islamic State's East Asia Province had absorbed pro-IS groups in Indonesia and a few militants in Thailand. In the latter country, alleged IS members have become involved in the [[South Thailand insurgency]], claiming their first attack in [[Pattani Province|Pattani]] on April 15, 2022.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://jamestown.org/program/briefs-366/| title = Briefs |author=Jacob Zenn | work = Jamestown Foundation | date = June 3, 2022 | access-date = June 11, 2022 }}</ref>

In 2023, the government declared that [[Sulu|Sulu province]] was free of Abu Sayyaf militants.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mendoza |first=John Eric| date=September 7, 2023 |title= PH Army officially declares Sulu province Abu Sayyaf-free|url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1828264/ph-army-officially-declares-sulu-province-abu-sayyaf-free |access-date= March 23, 2024 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=MSN |url=https://www.msn.com/ |access-date=2023-09-05 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref> In December, ISIS declared responsibility for the deadly [[Mindanao State University bombing]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Chen |first1=Heather |last2=Stambaugh |first2=Alex |date=2023-12-03 |title=ISIS claims deadly blast at Catholic mass in southern Philippines |url=https://www.cnn.com/2023/12/02/asia/explosion-sunday-mass-gym-philippines-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2023-12-18 |website=CNN }}</ref>

On March 22, 2024, the Philippines announced that Abu Sayyaf had been "fully dismantled", bringing an end to the decades-long jihadist insurgency. However, the group is still operating and attacking Philippine security forces.<ref name="ASG dismantled"/>

On April 24, 2024, Abu Sayyaf militants engaged in a brief shootout with police officers in [[Hadji Mohammad Ajul]], Basilan, leaving at least one militant dead.<ref name="ASG destruction"/> After April 2024, the group was inactive following a further wave of continuous military operations.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/917793/basilan-abu-sayyaf-free/story/|title=Basilan set to be declared Abu Sayyaf-free; 'wanted' posters removed|work=GMA News|date=August 21, 2024|access-date=December 23, 2024}}</ref>

On July 6, 2024, President [[Bongbong Marcos]] commended the joint efforts and sacrifices that resulted in the weakening of Abu Sayyaf during his visit to the headquarters of the [[11th Infantry Division (Philippines)|11th Infantry Division]] (ID) at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/912458/marcos-hails-afp-troops-in-mindanao-for-weakening-abu-sayyaf/story/|title=Marcos hails AFP troops in Mindanao for weakening Abu Sayyaf|last=Cordero|first=Ted|work=GMA News|date=July 6, 2024|access-date=December 23, 2024}}</ref>

On December 23, 2024, three members of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) were killed in an ambush by unidentified gunmen in Basilan.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1240537|title=3 ISAFP personnel killed in Basilan ambush|last=Garcia Jr.|first=Teofilo|work=Philippine News Agency|date=December 24, 2024|access-date=December 29, 2024}}</ref> Despite the attack, [[Basilan province]] was declared free from Abu Sayyaf militants after the last remaining members surrendered to the authorities on December 26, 2024.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/12/28/2410218/basilan-declared-sayyaf-free|title=Basilan declared Sayyaf-free|last1=Pareño|first1=Roel|last2=Unson|first2=John|work=The Philippine Star|date=December 28, 2024|access-date=December 29, 2024}}</ref>

The Philippine government is currently working continuously to revitalize and rejuvenate the dark image of former Abu Sayyaf strongholds with the restoration of peace and increased security with social and economic development for the inhabitants.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3288982/philippines-sulu-province-reborn-after-years-abu-sayyaf-horrors|title=Is the Philippines' Sulu province reborn after years of Abu Sayyaf horrors?|last=Maiten|first=Jeoffrey|work=South China Morning Post|date=December 2, 2024|access-date=December 24, 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/24/philippines-tourism-sulu-jolo-tawi/|title=Once a war zone, southern Philippines rebrands as tourist destination|last1=San Diego|first1=Martin|last2=Tan|first2=Rebecca|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=December 24, 2024|access-date=December 29, 2024|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

==Supporters and funding==
Abdurajak Abubakar Janjalani's first recruits were soldiers of MNLF and the [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]] (MILF). However, both MNLF and MILF deny links with Abu Sayyaf. Both officially distance themselves because of its attacks on civilians and its supposed profiteering. The Philippine military, however, has claimed that elements of both groups provide support to Abu Sayyaf. The group was originally not thought to receive funding from outside sources, but intelligence reports from the United States, Indonesia and Australia found intermittent ties to the Indonesian [[Jemaah Islamiyah]] terrorist group,<ref>{{cite news|title=Ferry bomb terror suspect held in Manila|publisher=CNN|date=August 30, 2008|url=http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/08/30/philippines.suspect/index.html?iref=newssearch}}</ref> and the [[Philippines|Philippine]] government considers the Abu Sayyaf to be part of [[Jemaah Islamiyah]].<ref name="TimeAsiaReturn"/> The government noted that initial funding for ASG came from [[al-Qaeda]] through the brother-in-law of Osama bin Laden, [[Mohammed Jamal Khalifa]].<ref name="TimeAsiaReturn">{{cite news|title=The Return of Abu Sayyaf|date=August 30, 2004|magazine=[[Time Asia]] |url=http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501040830-686107,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040824021217/http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501040830-686107,00.html|archive-date=August 24, 2004|first=Simon|last=Elegant}}</ref><ref name="BBCAirRebel">{{cite news|title=Air raids hit Philippines rebels|publisher=BBC|date=November 20, 2004|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/4027721.stm|location=London}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=AsiaWeek: 08.31.1999|publisher=AsiaWeek|date=August 31, 1999}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=James |first1=Michael S. |last2=Cooley |first2=John Kent |author-link2=John K. Cooley |date=December 20, 2001 |title=The Abu Sayyaf-Al Qaeda Connection-Abu Sayyaf Terrorist Group Alleged to Have Links to Al Qaeda |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=79205&page=1&page=1 |access-date=December 20, 2001 |work=ABC News International}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091111-235574/Abu-Sayyaf-survives-US-based-Philippine-crackdown|title=Abu Sayyaf survives US-backed Philippine crackdown|newspaper=[[Philippine Daily Inquirer]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012005634/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091111-235574/Abu-Sayyaf-survives-US-based-Philippine-crackdown|archive-date=October 12, 2012}}</ref>

Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist [[Ramzi Yousef]] operated in the Philippines in the mid-1990s and trained Abu Sayyaf soldiers.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Banlaoi |first=Rommel C. |title=War on terrorism in Southeast Asia |date=2004 |publisher=Rex Book Store |isbn=971-23-4031-7 |location=Manila, Philippines |pages=1–235 |oclc=57477534 |author-link=Rommel Banlaoi}}</ref> The 2002 edition of the United States Department's Patterns of Global Terrorism mention links to Al-Qaeda. Continuing ties to Islamist groups in the Middle East indicate that al-Qaeda may be continuing support.<ref name="BBCWho" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Lazaro |first=Cecilia |date=August 10, 2003 |title=Gunfight in philippine bomber hunt |work=CNN|url=http://www.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/08/10/philippine.gunfight/index.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Bin Laden Funds Abu Sayyaf Through Muslim Relief Group |date=August 9, 2000 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer}}</ref> As of mid-2005, Jemaah Islamiyah personnel reportedly had trained about 60 Abu Sayyaf cadres in bomb assembling and detonations.<ref>Mogato, Manny, "Philippine rebels linking up with foreign jihadist". Reuters August 21, 2005.</ref><ref>Del Puerto, Luige A. "PNP [Philippine National Police]: Alliance of JI, RP terrorists strong". ''Philippines Daily Inquirer'' (internet version), November 20, 2005</ref><ref name="TSA-BV-17">{{cite book|last1=Vaughn|first1=Bruce|title=Terrorism in Southeast Asia|date=2009|publisher=DIANE Publishing.|page=17|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=Fc3rC5zWOHQC|page=16}}|access-date=May 17, 2015}}</ref>

===Funding===
The group obtained most of its financing through kidnap [[ransom]] and extortion.<ref name="SherwellHostageBiz"/><ref>{{cite web |last=Banlaoi |first=Rommel C. |author-link=Rommel Banlaoi |year=2010 |title=The Sources of Abu Sayyaf's Resilience in the Southern Philippines |url=https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-sources-of-the-abu-sayyaf%e2%80%99s-resilience-in-the-southern-philippines |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170528182911/https://www.ctc.usma.edu/posts/the-sources-of-the-abu-sayyaf%e2%80%99s-resilience-in-the-southern-philippines |archive-date=May 28, 2017 |access-date=August 24, 2019 |website=Combating Terrorism Center at West Point}}</ref> One report estimated its revenues from ransom payments in 2000 were between $10 and $25&nbsp;million. According to the State Department, it may receive funding from radical Islamic benefactors in the Middle East and South Asia. It was reported that Libya facilitated ransom payments to Abu Sayyaf. It was also suggested that Libyan money could possibly be channeled to Abu Sayyaf.<ref>{{cite web |author=Niksch, Larry |title=Abu Sayyaf: Target of Philippine-U.S. Anti-Terrorism Cooperation |work=CRS Report for Congress |publisher=Federation of American Scientists |date=January 25, 2002 |url=https://fas.org/irp/crs/RL31265.pdf |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20221009/https://fas.org/irp/crs/RL31265.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-09 |url-status=live}}</ref> Russian intelligence agencies connected with [[Victor Bout]]'s planes reportedly provided Abu Sayyaf with arms.<ref>[http://www.isn.ethz.ch/isn/Current-Affairs/Security-Watch/Detail/?id=88499&lng=en The deadly convenience of Victor Bout]. ISN Eth Zurich. June 24, 2008</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Pallister |first=David |date=2009-03-06 |title=Background: the life of Viktor Bout |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/mar/06/viktor-bout-background |access-date=2023-03-26 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> In 2014 and since, kidnapping for ransom has been the primary means of funding.<ref name="HookwayRansomTerror"/>

The chart below collects events that Abu Sayyaf received ransoms or payments that are euphemistically called "board and lodgings".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mogato |first=Manuel |date=April 26, 2016 |title=Beheading highlights lucrative kidnap business of Philippine rebels |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-militants/beheading-highlights-lucrative-kidnap-business-of-philippine-rebels-idUSKCN0XN1II |access-date=January 25, 2018}}</ref> The more detailed information can be seen in the [[Timeline of Abu Sayyaf attacks]].
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Event
!Hostage(s) released
!Ransom demanded ($US)
!Amount paid ($US)
|-
|2011 Kidnapping of an Australian
|[[Warren Rodwell]] (2013)
|$2&nbsp;million<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Jacinto |first1=Al |last2=Murdoch |first2=Lindsay |date=2012-01-04 |title=$US2m ransom on Australian's life |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/us2m-ransom-on-australians-life-20120104-1pla7.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170928194843/https://www.smh.com.au/national/us2m-ransom-on-australians-life-20120104-1pla7.html |archive-date=28 September 2017 |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=The Sydney Morning Herald |language=en}}</ref>
|$100,000<ref>{{cite web |last=Bashan |first=Yoni |date=March 25, 2013 |title=Freed hostage Warren Rodwell says he is overwhelmed and grateful for support |url=http://www.news.com.au/national/former-philippines-terrorist-hostage-warren-rodwells-family-joy/news-story/705e916fb4162078248da08c314572c0}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=The bloodstained trail of the Abu Sayyaf |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/focus/10/18/14/bloodstained-trail-abu-sayyaf |access-date=January 25, 2018}}</ref>
|-
|[[#2014 German sailors kidnapping|2014 kidnapping of two Germans]]
|Both (2014)
|$5.6&nbsp;million<ref>{{Cite news |title=The bloodstained trail of the Abu Sayyaf |work=ABS-CBN News |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/focus/10/18/14/bloodstained-trail-abu-sayyaf |access-date=September 28, 2017}}</ref> for Dr. Stefan Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |last1=Mogato |first1=Manuel |last2=Lema |first2=Karen |last3=Nienaber |first3=Michael |last4=Collett-White |first4=Mike |date=October 17, 2014 |title=Philippine militants free two German hostages |work=Reuters |editor-last=Lawson |editor-first=Hugh |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-philippines-militants/philippine-militants-free-two-german-hostages-idUSKCN0I607S20141017 |access-date=January 25, 2018}}</ref>
|$5,600,000
|-
|[[#2015 Samal Island kidnappings|2015 Samal Island kidnappings]]
|Kjartan Sekkingstad (2016)
|$16&nbsp;million for Canadians [[Robert Hall (Canadian businessman)|Robert Hall]] and [[John Ridsdel]] (both beheaded), and Kjartan Sekkingstad (Norway)
|$638,000<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/abu-sayyaf-frees-norwegian-hostage-kjartan-sekkingstad-160917112112583.html|title=Abu Sayyaf frees Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad|publisher=Al Jazeera|access-date=September 28, 2017}}</ref>
|-
|[[#2015 Dipolog kidnapping|2015 kidnapping of an Italian]]
|Rolando del Torchio (2016)
|$650,000 (P29&nbsp;million)<ref name="Inquirer.net">{{cite news |last1=Mangosing |first1=Frances |last2=Alipala |first2=Julie S. |date=April 8, 2016 |title=Italian man kidnapped in Dipolog City freed |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/778468/italian-man-kidnapped-in-dipolog-city-freed |access-date=February 4, 2018}}</ref>
|$650,000
|-
|[[#2016 Local and foreign sailors kidnappings|2016 kidnapping of Indonesian sailors]]
|All (2016)
|$1&nbsp;million for ten Indonesian crew on the tugboat Brahma 12 and barge Anand 12<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Lakshmi |first=Aiswarya |date=April 20, 2016 |title=Ship Owner to Pay Ransom for Indonesian Hostages |work=MarineLink |url=http://www.marinelink.com/news/indonesian-hostages408407.aspx |access-date=September 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929000658/https://www.marinelink.com/news/indonesian-hostages408407.aspx |archive-date=September 29, 2017}}</ref>
|$1,000,000
|-
|[[#2016 Local and foreign sailors kidnappings|2016 kidnapping of Malaysian sailors]]
|All (2016)
|$3&nbsp;million for Wong Teck Kang, Teck Chii, Lau Jung Hien and Wong Hung Sing<ref>{{Cite news |last=Tarrazona |first=Noel |date=September 25, 2016 |title=Abu Sayyaf strategy posing threat to Philippines' neighbors |work=[[Asia Times]] |url=https://asiatimes.com/abu-sayyafs-kidnapping-enterprise-poses-bigger-threat-to-philippines-neighbors/ |access-date=January 29, 2018}}</ref>
|$3,000,000
|}

==Motivation, beliefs, targets==
Filipino Islamist guerrillas such as Abu Sayyaf have been described as "rooted in a distinct class made up of closely-knit networks built through the marriage of important families through socioeconomic backgrounds and family structures", according to Michael Buehler. This tight-knit, familial structure provides resilience but also limits their growth.<ref name="IBT-9-2014"/> Commander of the Western Mindanao Command Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, describes Abu Sayyaf as "a local group with a local agenda".<ref name="IBT-9-2014"/> Two kidnapping victims, (Martin and [[Gracia Burnham]]) who were kept in captivity by ASG for over a year, "gently engaged their captors in theological discussion" and found Abu Sayyaf fighters to be unfamiliar with the [[Qur'an]]. They had only "a sketchy" notion of Islam, which they saw as "a set of behavioural rules, to be violated when it suited them", according to author [[Mark Bowden]]. As "[[mujahideen|holy warriors]], they were justified in kidnapping, killing and stealing. Having sex with women captives was justified by their claiming them as "wives".<ref>{{cite magazine|author=Bowden, Mark|title=Jihadists in Paradise |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2007/03/jihadists-in-paradise/305613/2/|magazine=[[The Atlantic]]|date=March 1, 2007}}</ref>

Unlike MILF and MNLF, the group is not recognised by the [[Organization of Islamic Cooperation]], and according to author Robert East, was seen as "nothing more than a criminal operation" at least prior to 2001.<ref name="east-2">{{cite book|last1=East|first1=Robert|title=Terror Truncated: The Decline of the Abu Sayyaf Group from the Crucial Year 2002|date=May 17, 2015|publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing.|page=2|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=pzgyBwAAQBAJ|page=2}}|access-date=May 17, 2015}}</ref> A [[Center for Strategic and International Studies]] report by Jack Fellman notes the political rather than religious motivation of ASG. He quotes Khadaffy's statement that his brother was right to split from MNLF because "up to now, nothing came out" of attempts to gain more autonomy for Moro Muslims. This suggests, Fellman believes, that ASG "is merely the latest, albeit most violent, iteration of Moro political dissatisfaction that has existed for the last several decades".<ref name="Fellman-4">{{cite web|last1=Fellman|first1=Jack|title=Abu Sayyaf Group|url=http://csis.org/files/publication/111128_Fellman_ASG_AQAMCaseStudy5.pdf|publisher=Center for Strategic International Studies|access-date=May 17, 2015|page=4|archive-date=April 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417072952/http://csis.org/files/publication/111128_Fellman_ASG_AQAMCaseStudy5.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Some Abu Sayyaf members are also "shabu" ([[methamphetamine]]) users as described by surviving hostages who saw Abu Sayyaf members taking shabu as well from military findings who found drug packets in many of the abandoned Abu Sayyaf nests that justified their motivation as [[extremism|extreme]] criminals and terrorists as their state of mind were under the influence of drugs rather than being consciously fighting for the betterment of their region as well rights to living under their minority religion without any discrimination from the majority Filipinos.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/583221/news/nation/military-says-abu-sayyaf-members-are-shabu-users|title=(INFO FROM EX-CAPTIVES) Military says Abu Sayyaf members are shabu users|publisher=GMA News|date=September 29, 2016|access-date=October 3, 2016}}</ref> Its spokesman known as Abu Rami ({{abbr|d.|died}} 2017)<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fe Perez |first1=Annie |last2=Nadela |first2=Junrey |date=April 12, 2017 |title=Abu Sayyaf leader Abu Rami killed in Bohol clash |publisher=ABS-CBN News |agency=Reuters |url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/04/12/17/abu-sayyaf-leader-abu-rami-killed-in-bohol-clash |access-date=April 12, 2017}}</ref> appeared to lack knowledge of the activities of other members, as the group had apparently separated into many small groups with their own leaders.<ref>{{cite web |author=Golingai |first=Philip |date=October 1, 2016 |title=A peek into the mind of Abu Sayyaf man |url=http://www.thestar.com.my/opinion/columnists/one-mans-meat/2016/10/01/a-peek-into-the-mind-of-abu-sayyaf-man-daily-chats-with-a-terrorist-provide-a-chilling-insight-into/ |access-date=October 3, 2016 |work=The Star}}</ref>

===Targets===
Most Abu Sayyaf victims have been Filipinos; however, in recent years (especially from 2011 onwards), Australian, British, Canadian, Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Norwegian, Swiss and Vietnamese nationals have been kidnapped or attacked.<ref name="attack on fishermen"/><ref name="AS involved"/>

Previously, Americans were particularly targeted. An unnamed ASG spokesman allegedly stated, "We have been trying hard to get an American because they may think we are afraid of them". He added, "We want to fight the American people."<ref name=ETaK>{{cite web|title=Engine trouble and kidnappings|url=http://www.sailingtotem.com/2014/06/engine-trouble-and-kidnappings.html|website=sailingtotem.com|access-date=May 16, 2015|date=June 25, 2014}}</ref>

In 1993, Abu Sayyaf kidnapped an American Christian Bible translator Charles Walton, who served as a linguist for [[SIL Global]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Linguists group to continue work despite kidnapping of staffer |url=https://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/1993/12/20/linguists-group-to-continue-work-despite-kidnapping-of-staffer&post_id=44468 |publisher=[[Union of Catholic Asian News]] |access-date=20 June 2025 |language=en |date=19 December 1993}}</ref> In 2000, Abu Sayyaf captured an American Muslim and demanded that the United States release [[Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman]] and [[Ramzi Yousef]], who were jailed for their involvement in the 1993 [[World Trade Center bombing]] in New York City.

Between March 2016 – July 2017, the majority of Abu Sayyaf kidnap for ransom operations shifted to the high seas. Seventeen ships were boarded and some sixty-five hostages from six countries were taken. In total, thirty hostages have been released (usually after a ransom was paid), seven escaped, three were rescued by Philippine security forces, and four were executed. Two others were killed during the attacks while eight seamen escaped during the shipjackings. An additional forty seamen were not taken hostage.<ref>{{cite news |last=Abuza |first=Zachary |date=August 3, 2017 |title=Why Vietnam Must Fight the Islamic State Terror Threat |work=The Diplomat by Zachary Abuza |url=https://thediplomat.com/2017/08/why-vietnam-must-fight-the-islamic-state-terror-threat/ |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |access-date=January 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129195325/https://thediplomat.com/2017/08/why-vietnam-must-fight-the-islamic-state-terror-threat/ |archive-date=29 January 2018}}</ref>

==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>

=====Charles Watson=====
On November 14, 1993, American Christian linguist Charles Watson was kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf.<ref name="UCA1993">{{cite web |title=Linguists group to continue work despite kidnapping of staffer |url=https://www.ucanews.com/story-archive/?post_name=/1993/12/20/linguists-group-to-continue-work-despite-kidnapping-of-staffer&post_id=44468 |publisher=[[Union of Catholic Asian News]] |access-date=20 June 2025 |language=en |date=19 December 1993}}</ref> Charles Watson was assisting in translating the [[New Testament]] into the Samal language. Anne West of [[SIL Global]], the organization for which Watson worked, stated that the "Bible is helpful in bringing literacy to the tribal groups" and was "the best motivator in getting cultural minorities to open themselves up to education" as "tribal minorities can associate their sense of morality with what is written in the Bible."<ref name="UCA1993"/> Watson was released about one month later.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sayyaf dissatisfied, asks for more pullouts in Sulu towns |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/154784/sayyaf-dissatisfied-asks-for-more-pullouts-in-sulu-towns/story/#goog_rewarded |publisher=GMA News Online |access-date=20 June 2025 |language=en |date=30 March 2009}}</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 |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 |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|archive-date=December 9, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209020730/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/17/15/nbi-files-charges-vs-abu-bandits-gensan-bombing|url-status=dead}}</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=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/pm-outraged-by-killing-of-canadian-in-philippines/ |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=https://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=https://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=https://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= https://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=https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/article/second-indonesian-sailor-manages-to-escape-abu-sayyaf-captors/ |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. |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://www.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>

==Criticism of attacks against civilians==
Sheikh [[Yusuf al-Qaradawi]] in Qatar denounced the kidnappings and killings committed by Abu Sayyaf, asserting that they are not part of the dispute between the Abu Sayyaf and the Philippine government. He stated that it is shameful to commit such acts in the name of the Islamic faith, saying that such acts produce backlash against Islam and Muslims.<ref name="condemn">{{cite web |author=East |first=Bob |date=May 10, 2000 |title=The Abu Sayyaf in the Archipelago: Discrediting Islam. Abetting USA Foreign Policy |url=http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/gtrec/files/2012/08/gtrec-proceedings-2008-09-bob-east.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160403090208/http://artsonline.monash.edu.au/gtrec/files/2012/08/gtrec-proceedings-2008-09-bob-east.pdf |archive-date=April 3, 2016 |publisher=Hartford Web Publishing |page=196 (7/15)}}</ref> During the 2000 Sipadan kidnappings, the [[Organisation of Islamic Cooperation|Organization of the Islamic Conference]] (OIC) condemned the kidnapping and offered to help secure their release. OIC Secretary General [[Azeddine Laraki]] told the Philippine government he was prepared to send an envoy to help save the hostages and issued a statement condemning the rebels. "The Secretary General has pointed out that this operation and the like are rejected by divine laws and that they are neither the appropriate nor correct means to resolve conflicts", the statement said.<ref name="condemn"/>

The terrorism against civilians committed were condemned by MNLF and MILF, who said that Abu Sayyaf strayed from their real paths of struggle, with MILF labeling Abu Sayyaf as "anti-Islam" soon after [[John Ridsdel|Ridsdel]]'s beheading in 2016.<ref name="MILF against Abus"/> MNLF described the group as "causing chaos to their community".<ref name="MNLF fight against Abus">{{cite news |author=Pareño |first=Roel |date=August 9, 2016 |title=4 Abu Sayyaf killed in Sulu clash with MNLF |newspaper=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/08/09/1611720/4-abu-sayyaf-killed-sulu-clash-mnlf |access-date=August 12, 2016}}</ref> Both Christian and Muslim groups in the Philippines condemned Abu Sayyaf beheadings.<ref>{{cite web |author=Wee |first=Darwin Wally |date=April 24, 2017 |title=Christians, Muslims condemn Abu Sayyaf beheading |url=http://www.ucanews.com/news/christians-muslims-condemn-abu-sayyaf-beheading/79025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427003927/http://www.ucanews.com/news/christians-muslims-condemn-abu-sayyaf-beheading/79025 |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |publisher=UCA News}}</ref>

The kidnappings were criticized by [[Indonesia]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kurnia |first1=Dadang |last2=Indrawan |first2=Angga |date=July 28, 2016 |title=Ade Komarudin Merasa Indonesia Terhina oleh Kelompok Abu Sayyaf |url=https://news.republika.co.id/berita/ob0m9l365/ade-komarudin-merasa-indonesia-terhina-oleh-kelompok-abu-sayyaf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729032112/http://www.republika.co.id/berita/nasional/politik/16/07/28/ob0m9l365-ade-komarudin-merasa-indonesia-terhina-oleh-kelompok-abu-sayyaf |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |publisher=Republika Online |language=id}}</ref> On July 14, 2016, a group of Indonesian protesters gathered in front of the Philippine Embassy in [[Jakarta]], holding banners that read "Go to hell Philippines and Abu Sayyaf" and "Destroy the Philippines and Abu Sayyaf" due to what was seen as the lack of action from the [[Government of the Philippines|Philippine government]].<ref name="condemnation">{{cite news|url=http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/protest-philippine-embassy-jakarta-hostage-crisis-worsens/|title=Protest at Philippine Embassy in Jakarta as Hostage Crisis Worsens|newspaper=Jakarta Globe|access-date=July 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730112832/http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/protest-philippine-embassy-jakarta-hostage-crisis-worsens/ |archive-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref><ref name="protest">{{cite news |author=Gutierrez |first=Natashya |date=July 14, 2016 |title='Go to hell Philippines': Indonesian workers ask Duterte to act on Abu Sayyaf kidnappings |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia/bahasa/englishedition/139709-abu-sayyaf-duterte-sailors-rally |url-status=live |access-date=July 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726104854/http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia/bahasa/englishedition/139709-abu-sayyaf-duterte-sailors-rally |archive-date=July 26, 2016}}</ref> The group demanded a large scale military operation to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, with the [[Indonesian Armed Forces|Indonesian military]]  proposing to send its forces to the Philippines prior to the protest, only to be rejected by the Philippine government on [[Constitution of the Philippines|constitutional]] grounds.<ref name="condemnation"/><ref name="protest"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/indonesian-military-not-needed-free-hostages-philippines/|title=Indonesian Military Not Needed to Free Hostages: the Philippines|newspaper=Jakarta Globe|access-date=July 26, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726110152/http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/indonesian-military-not-needed-free-hostages-philippines/|archive-date=July 26, 2016}}</ref>

== Military operations ==

The [[Armed Forces of the Philippines|Philippine military]] has engaged Abu Sayyaf since the 1990s.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1370&dat=19951215&id=ko0mAAAAIBAJ&pg=2570,2778271|title=Sayyaf holds 3, not 2, hostages|newspaper=Manila Standard|date=December 15, 1995|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1914&dat=20000504&id=hZ80AAAAIBAJ&pg=1425,917375|title=4 hostages killed during rescue|newspaper=Sun Journal|date=May 4, 2000|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> Under President [[Rodrigo Duterte|Duterte]], the Philippine government sought a [[Bangsamoro peace process|peace agreement]] with the MNLF and MILF, but not the "bunch of criminals" in Abu Sayyaf.<ref>{{cite web |author=Alvarez |first=Katharina Charmaine |date=July 28, 2016 |title=('NO TALKS WITH CRIMINALS') Abu Sayyaf excluded from Duterte's peace initiatives |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/575498/news/nation/abu-sayyaf-excluded-from-duterte-s-peace-initiatives |access-date=July 30, 2016 |publisher=GMA News}}</ref> The Philippine military intensified operations in 2003, following the arrest of a [[Filipino-American]] who was alleged to have sold illegal weapons to the group. The suspect was tagged by US authorities as "one of the United States' most wanted fugitives". He was then deported by the Philippine government to face legal action in the United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.philstar.com/nation/226844/fil-am-accused-supplying-weapons-sayyaf-deported|title=Fil-Am accused of supplying weapons to Sayyaf deported|agency=Associated Press|work=The Philippine Star|date=November 6, 2003|access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref>

On July 29, 2016, the military gained control of an Abu Sayyaf stronghold in [[Tipo-Tipo, Basilan|Tipo-Tipo]]. The Philippine military pledged to eliminate Abu Sayyaf.<ref name="wipe out order"/><ref>{{cite news |author=Mangosing |first=Frances |date=July 30, 2016 |title=LOOK: Scout Rangers gain control of Abu Sayyaf position in Basilan |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/801141/look-scout-rangers-gain-control-of-abu-sayyaf-position-in-basilan |access-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> On August 25, President Duterte ordered the group to be "destroyed" after it beheaded a teenager.<ref name="wipe out order"/> Following the incident, the Philippine military sent thousands of troops to fight and destroy Abu Sayyaf.<ref name="intensified operation"/> Filipino Army Major Filemon Tan said, "The order of the president is to search and destroy the Abu Sayyaf so that's what we are doing".<ref>{{cite web |last=Gomez |first=Jim |date=August 26, 2016 |title=Troops kill 11 Abu Sayyaf members |url=http://mindanation.com/3885/troops-kill-11-abu-sayyaf-members/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831014546/http://mindanation.com/3885/troops-kill-11-abu-sayyaf-members/ |archive-date=August 31, 2016 |access-date=August 26, 2016 |publisher=MINDANATION}}</ref> Both MNLF and MILF began helping to suppress [[extremism]] in Mindanao, which helps the peace process for both groups.<ref name="MNLF against Abus"/><ref name="MILF against Abus"/><ref name="MNLF fight against Abus"/>

Philippine security forces collaborated with Malaysia and Indonesia to maintain security in the Sulu Sea.<ref>{{cite web |author=Marzukhi |first=Hafiz |date=July 28, 2016 |title=Malaysia, Philippines to establish forward base at border |url=http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/malaysia-philippines-establish-forward-base-border-112342 |access-date=July 30, 2016 |publisher=Astro Awani |archive-date=July 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729162139/http://english.astroawani.com/malaysia-news/malaysia-philippines-establish-forward-base-border-112342 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=July 14, 2016 |editor-last=Marboen |editor-first=Ade |title=Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines finalizing SOP for joint patrols |url=http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/105659/indonesia-malaysia-the-philippines-finalizing-sop-for-joint-patrols |access-date=July 30, 2016 |publisher=[[Antara (news agency)|Antara]]}}</ref> The [[Government of Indonesia|Indonesian government]] proposed to station [[Indonesian Army|army]] units in Mindanao to launch a major offensive against Abu Sayyaf.<ref>{{cite news |author=Heriyanto |first=Devina |date=July 14, 2016 |title=Q&A: Rethinking Indonesia's military operation in southern Philippines |newspaper=The Jakarta Post |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2016/07/14/qa-rethinking-indonesias-military-operation-in-southern-philippines.html |access-date=July 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730120228/http://www.thejakartapost.com/academia/2016/07/14/qa-rethinking-indonesias-military-operation-in-southern-philippines.html |archive-date=July 30, 2016}}</ref> The Indonesian government called on the [[Malaysian Army|Malaysian]] and [[Philippine Army|Philippine]] armies to launch combined land attacks together on Mindanao, while at the same time urging the Philippine government to allow Indonesia and Malaysia military forces to enter Philippine territory.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/jakarta-proposes-3-nation-land-ops-against-abu-sayyaf|title=Jakarta proposes 3-nation land ops against Abu Sayyaf|newspaper=The Straits Times|date=August 4, 2016|access-date=August 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805085624/http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/jakarta-proposes-3-nation-land-ops-against-abu-sayyaf |archive-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Sapiie |first=Marguerite Afra |date=August 5, 2016 |title=Military commanders need to draft joint military exercise SOP: Gatot |newspaper=The Jakarta Post |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/08/05/military-commanders-need-to-draft-joint-military-exercise-sop-gatot.html |access-date=August 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805084910/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/08/05/military-commanders-need-to-draft-joint-military-exercise-sop-gatot.html |archive-date=August 5, 2016}}</ref> The [[Vietnam People's Armed Forces|Vietnamese military]] started to hold military exercises against Abu Sayyaf (known locally as "pirates" by the Vietnamese) following the repeat kidnappings of Malaysian and Indonesian sailors.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/society/155953/vietnamese-ships-to-get-piracy-warnings.html |title=Vietnamese ships to get piracy warnings |agency=Vietnam News Agency|publisher=Vietnam Net|date=May 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904091135/http://english.vietnamnet.vn/fms/society/155953/vietnamese-ships-to-get-piracy-warnings.html|archive-date=September 4, 2016}}</ref> The Philippine military provided one battalion to go against each subgroup.<ref>{{cite news |author=Pareño |first=Roel |date=September 5, 2016 |title=One Army battalion going after each Abu Sayyaf leader |newspaper=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/09/05/1620711/army-battalion-going-after-each-abu-sayyaf-leader |access-date=October 4, 2016}}</ref> On September 9, following the meeting between President [[Rodrigo Duterte|Duterte]] and Indonesian President [[Joko Widodo]], an agreement was reached to pursue the Abu Sayyaf. The Philippine President said:

{{blockquote|We agreed to encourage the earliest and effective implementation of cooperative frameworks to address security issues in maritime areas of common concern. We expressed commitment to take all necessary measures to ensure security in the Sulu Sea and maritime areas of common concern. There will be some interdiction by their armed forces and our armed forces and that is not really a warning but just a statement that we have decided to end this problem once and for all. Unlike the previous agreement with our neighbours, this time we will allow our neighbours to chase ships and pursue them even when they are in Philippine waters – "until such time that there is a competent Philippine authority who will take over in the chase. Maybe what's in my mind really is the hot pursuit and if the hot pursuit is done in the high seas, in the international waters, they can and they can even arrest or destroy them if they present a violent resistance". Malaysia will also be involved in this co-operation.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia/bahasa/englishedition/145747-maritime-cooperation-abu-sayyaf-kidnappings|title=Duterte wants Abu Sayyaf kidnappers 'blown up' at sea|author=Natashya Gutierrez|agency=Agence France-Presse|work=[[Rappler]]|date=September 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160912064410/http://www.rappler.com/world/regions/asia-pacific/indonesia/bahasa/englishedition/145747-maritime-cooperation-abu-sayyaf-kidnappings|archive-date=September 12, 2016}}</ref>|Rodrigo Duterte, President of the Philippines}}

However, the government of Indonesia decided to not launch a military operation in the southern Philippines, stating that there is enough Philippine military personnel had been deployed. Indonesia's view was seconded by Malaysia.<ref>{{cite news |author=Halim |first=Haeril |date=September 20, 2016 |title=Indonesia won't enter Philippine waters despite green light |work=[[The Jakarta Post]] |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/09/20/indonesia-won-t-enter-philippine-waters-despite-green-light.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160924171109/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/09/20/indonesia-won-t-enter-philippine-waters-despite-green-light.html |archive-date=September 24, 2016}}</ref> Philippine military chief [[Ricardo Visaya]] warned the Abu Sayyaf that they would continue with further major military operations. The military chief gave notice to Abu Sayyaf members to surrender or be "neutralised", (killed or apprehended).<ref>{{cite web |author=Reyes |first=Victor |date=September 12, 2016 |title=AFP chief to ASG: Surrender or die |url=http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-chief-asg-surrender-or-die |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160927022158/http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-chief-asg-surrender-or-die |archive-date=September 27, 2016 |publisher=Malaya Business Insight}}</ref>

Some 20 Abu Sayyaf surrendered in Sumisip on September 22.<ref>{{cite news |author=Adamczyk |first=Ed |date=September 23, 2016 |title=20 Abu Sayyaf militants surrender in Philippines |work=United Press International |url=http://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2016/09/23/20-Abu-Sayyaf-militants-surrender-in-Philippines/9981474630916/ |access-date=September 25, 2016}}</ref> The day before, Philippine armed forces confiscated 200 speedboats used by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Zamboanga.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ager |first=Maila |date=September 21, 2016 |title=Gov't seizes 200 high-powered speedboats from Abu Sayyaf |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/817571/govt-seizes-200-high-powered-speedboats-from-abu-sayyaf |access-date=September 25, 2016}}</ref> President Duterte rejected a proposal by [[Nur Misuari]], the leader of MNLF to include Abu Sayyaf in peace talks.<ref>{{cite news |author=Ranada |first=Pia |date=September 26, 2016 |title=Duterte: No amnesty for Abu Sayyaf |work=Rappler |url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/147403-philippines-duterte-no-amnesty-abu-sayyaf |access-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref> On September 27, another attempt to smuggle weapons to Abu Sayyaf was prevented by the [[Philippine National Police]] in [[San Juan, Metro Manila|San Juan City]]. Four people were arrested.<ref>{{cite news |author=Bolando |first=AJ |date=September 27, 2016 |title=High-powered guns for Abu Sayyaf, ARMM execs seized in San Juan |newspaper=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/09/27/1627928/high-powered-guns-abu-sayyaf-armm-execs-seized-san-juan |access-date=September 27, 2016}}</ref> By October 14, the Philippine military had launched 579 military operations, 426 of which were focused to "neutralise" group members. 54 engagements resulted in 56 Abu Sayyaf members killed, 21 surrendered and 17 arrested.<ref>{{cite web |author=Colcol |first=Erwin |date=October 14, 2016 |title=AFP: 59 bandits killed in Duterte's first hundred days |url=http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/585068/news/nation/afp-59-bandits-killed-in-duterte-s-first-hundred-days |access-date=October 17, 2016 |publisher=GMA News}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.rappler.com/nation/149393-abu-sayyaf-military-operations|title=AFP report: 94 Abu Sayyaf 'neutralized,' 14 hostages freed|work=Rappler|date=October 17, 2016|access-date=October 17, 2016}}</ref>

Abu Sayyaf fatalities then increased to 102, with seven more apprehended. Notable Abu Sayyaf leaders were killed, including Nelson Muktadil, Braun Muktadil, their sub-leader Mohammad Said, Jamiri Jawhari, Musanna Jamiri, the group spokesman Abu Rami and Alhabsy Misaya.<ref name="eliminate Abus">{{cite web |date=April 13, 2017 |title=Senior Abu Sayyaf Leader Offers to Surrender |url=http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/senior-abu-sayyaf-leader-offers-to-surrender |access-date=April 14, 2017 |publisher=The Maritime Executive}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.dw.com/en/philippine-marines-kill-abu-sayyaf-extremist-leader/a-38635850|title=Philippine marines kill Abu Sayyaf extremist leader|publisher=Deutsche Welle|date=April 29, 2017|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref name="use all tools">{{cite news |author=Marasigan |first=Fernan |date=October 17, 2016 |title=Use all 'tools of war' vs Abu Sayyaf |newspaper=The Manila Times |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/use-tools-war-vs-abu-sayyaf/291746/ |access-date=October 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019150259/http://www.manilatimes.net/use-tools-war-vs-abu-sayyaf/291746/ |archive-date=October 19, 2016}}</ref> In addition, another 165 fast boats used for transport and kidnapping activities were confiscated.<ref name="use all tools"/> By April 13, 2017, 50 more ASG members had surrendered.<ref name="eliminate Abus"/> In the same month, Philippine authorities discovered the presence of militants from Indonesia and Malaysia killed during the ongoing operations<ref>{{cite web |last1=Villamor |first1=Felipe |last2=Umel |first2=Richel |last3=Navales |first3=Mark |date=April 25, 2017 |title=Indonesians, Malaysian Among 37 Militants Killed in Philippine Military Strike: Officials |url=http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/Lanao-del-Sur-04252017174353.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426043737/http://www.benarnews.org/english/news/indonesian/Lanao-del-Sur-04252017174353.html |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |access-date=April 29, 2017 |publisher=Benar News}}</ref> (notable foreigners such as Sanusi, [[Zulkifli Abdhir]], Ibrahim Ali, Mohd Najib Husen and Mohisen were among the dead)<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.news.com.au/world/breaking-news/indonesian-militant-killed-in-philippines/news-story/170d252c5f5e0ac44fa295a3b8c46ed2|title=Indonesian militant killed in Philippines|agency=Australian Associated Press|publisher=news.com.au|date=November 24, 2012|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-32157211|title=FBI confirms militant Marwan's death in Philippine raid|work=BBC News|date=April 2, 2015|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Cassrels |first=Deborah |date=November 30, 2015 |title=Indonesian bomb Ibrahim Ali killed by military in Mindanao |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/indonesian-bomb-ibrahim-ali-killed-by-military-in-mindanao/news-story/0b46cab4fb4a8d18fa162927f019b4b0 |access-date=April 29, 2017 |publisher=The Weekend Australian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://sg.news.yahoo.com/malaysian-militant-killed-clashes-philippine-022912443.html|title=Malaysian militant killed in clashes with Philippine army, says report|work=The Malaysian Insider|publisher=Yahoo! News|date=December 17, 2015|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thestar.com.my/news/regional/2017/01/29/indonesian-militant-killed-in-operations/|title=Philippines military identifies IS-linked militant killed as Indonesian named 'Mohisen'|work=The Star|date=January 29, 2017|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref> as well as the presence of a "traitor" among their security members when a top policewoman was caught for her ties with the group.<ref>{{cite web |author=Jara |first=Manolo B. |date=April 25, 2017 |title=Top policewoman nabbed for ties to Abu Sayyaf |url=http://gulftoday.ae/portal/ae8d334a-9eea-41ca-8a19-5d033775f78c.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170427100451/http://gulftoday.ae/portal/ae8d334a-9eea-41ca-8a19-5d033775f78c.aspx |archive-date=April 27, 2017 |access-date=April 26, 2017 |publisher=The Gulf Today}}</ref> Indonesia admitted the presence of its citizens who came from [[North Sulawesi]] and said they could not prevent them from joining, given the lack of security on their borders.<ref>{{cite news |author=Halim |first=Haeril |date=April 26, 2017 |title=Indonesian militants can 'easily' enter Philippines |newspaper=The Jakarta Post |url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/04/26/indonesian-militants-can-easily-enter-philippines-.html |access-date=April 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429140250/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/04/26/indonesian-militants-can-easily-enter-philippines-.html |archive-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Hincks |first=Joseph |date=2017-04-26 |title=Indonesia 'Can't Stop' Militants Crossing Into Philippines |url=https://time.com/4755528/indonesia-isis-philippines-caliphate-abu-sayyaf/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230326093724/https://time.com/4755528/indonesia-isis-philippines-caliphate-abu-sayyaf/ |archive-date=26 March 2023 |access-date=2023-03-26 |magazine=Time |language=en}}</ref> Malaysia discovered that militants were using [[Sabah]] as a transit point.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.todayonline.com/world/asia/malaysian-leaders-face-clear-and-present-terror-threat|title=Malaysian leaders face 'clear and present' terror threat|work=Today|date=January 26, 2017|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author=Jacinto |first=Al |date=January 27, 2017 |title=Foreign militants cross Sabah to Mindanao |newspaper=The Manila Times |url=http://www.manilatimes.net/foreign-militants-cross-sabah-mindanao/308993/ |access-date=April 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127211321/http://www.manilatimes.net/foreign-militants-cross-sabah-mindanao/308993/ |archive-date=January 27, 2017}}</ref> The two pledged to prevent cross-border terrorism and curb the activities of militants.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theborneopost.com/2016/04/17/sabah-to-cooperate-with-indonesia-to-curb-cross-border-crime-musa/|title=Sabah to cooperate with Indonesia to curb cross-border crime – Musa|newspaper=Borneo Post|date=April 17, 2016|access-date=April 29, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Fevrier |first=Vincent |date=April 10, 2017 |title=The Threat of the Islamic State in South-East Asia, and the Counter-Terrorism Unit on the Frontlines in Indonesia |url=https://www.intelligencefusion.co.uk/single-post/2017/04/10/The-Threat-of-the-Islamic-State-in-South-East-Asia-and-the-Counter-Terrorism-Unit-on-the-Frontlines-in-Indonesia |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919234546/https://www.intelligencefusion.co.uk/single-post/2017/04/10/The-Threat-of-the-Islamic-State-in-South-East-Asia-and-the-Counter-Terrorism-Unit-on-the-Frontlines-in-Indonesia |archive-date=September 19, 2017 |access-date=April 29, 2017 |publisher=Intelligence Fusion}}</ref>

Early on November 26, 2016, Duterte stated that he would open peace talks with Abu Sayyaf group (as he did with the MNLF and MILF by offering [[Federalism in the Philippines|federalism]] as a possible solution)<ref name="optas">{{cite news|url=http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/222501|title=Duterte open to talks with Abu Sayyaf terrorists|agency=Agence France-Presse|publisher=Manila Standard|date=November 26, 2016|access-date=November 29, 2016|archive-date=November 29, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129145315/http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/222501}}</ref> while continuing to fight against the [[Maute group]],<ref>{{Cite web |last=Jennings |first=Ralph |title=Philippines' Fight Against Muslim Insurgents Is Hitting A New And Sticky Blockade |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/ralphjennings/2016/11/30/5265/ |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref> a move criticized by Philippine analysts as it would be used by extreme rebels to claim for legitimacy as a group.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/11/26/16/abu-sayyaf-can-use-duterte-statement-to-claim-legitimacy-analyst|title=Abu Sayyaf can use Duterte statement to claim 'legitimacy'--analyst|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=November 26, 2016|access-date=November 29, 2016}}</ref> In a statement, the President said:

{{blockquote|I can bomb more if I want to. At the end of the day, what can I say to the Filipino? That we have wiped out almost all of our [[Yakan people|Yakan]], [[Sama-Bajau people|Sama]], [[Tausūg people|Tausūg]] brothers? Even those not connected with the violence now? Either we talk, if you want autonomy or if you want something else, federalism, I am ready. I am committed to (a) federalism set-up to appease the [[Moro people|Moro]].<ref name="optas"/><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.manilatimes.net/duterte-wont-risk-civilians-sayyaf-war/298803/|title=Duterte won't risk civilians in Sayyaf war|agency=Agence France-Presse|work=The Manila Times|date=28 November 2016|access-date=29 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128141646/http://www.manilatimes.net/duterte-wont-risk-civilians-sayyaf-war/298803/|archive-date=28 November 2016}}</ref>}}

His statements were criticized by national media as leading to confusion about whether he wanted peace talks.<ref>{{cite news |author=Pascual Jr. |first=Federico D. |date=November 29, 2016 |title=Is Du30 confused, or confusing ASG? |newspaper=The Philippine Star |url=http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2016/11/29/1648443/du30-confused-or-confusing-asg |access-date=November 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129081824/http://www.philstar.com/opinion/2016/11/29/1648443/du30-confused-or-confusing-asg |archive-date=November 29, 2016}}</ref> Another IS-linked group, the Maute emerged in 2016.<ref>{{cite news |author=Fianza |first=Florencio |date=December 1, 2016 |title=Difficult to analyze |newspaper=Manila Standard |url=http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/222847 |access-date=December 1, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161201213214/http://thestandard.com.ph/mobile/article/222847 |archive-date=December 1, 2016}}</ref> On December 7, Duterte told the Indonesian and Malaysian leaders that "they can bomb the Abu Sayyaf along with the hostages if the Abu Sayyaf continue to present persistent threats and the hostages should already know that there is repeated warnings to not go there".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://globalnation.inquirer.net/150452/duterte-indonesia-malaysia-bomb-kidnappers-hostages|title=Duterte to Indonesia, Malaysia: Bomb kidnappers; hostages, too|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|date=December 9, 2016|access-date=December 9, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209152823/https://globalnation.inquirer.net/150452/duterte-indonesia-malaysia-bomb-kidnappers-hostages|archive-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref> In early 2019, Duterte emphatically stated that he would never initiate or agree to any peace talks with Abu Sayyaf due to his detestation for the group's record of atrocities and its treatment of innocent people as young as 8 years old.<ref>{{cite news |author=Esguerra |first=Darryl John |date=January 18, 2019 |title=Duterte: I will never talk peace with Abu Sayyaf |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1074729/duterte-i-will-never-talk-peace-with-abu-sayyaf |access-date=January 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190128082839/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1074729/duterte-i-will-never-talk-peace-with-abu-sayyaf |archive-date=January 28, 2019}}</ref>

In the aftermath of the [[2019 Jolo Cathedral bombings]], President Duterte ordered an "All-Out-War" directive against the Abu Sayyaf Group, which led to heavy ground operations, massive airstrikes, artillery bombardment in surrounding areas, the evacuation of civilian in other areas, and the creation of the [[11th Infantry Division (Philippines)|11th Infantry Division]] of the [[Philippine Army]].<ref name="Inquirer-AllOutWar">{{cite news |last1=Gamil |first1=Jaymee T. |last2=Alipala |first2=Julie |title=Duterte orders all-out war on terror groups |url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078558/duterte-wants-all-out-war-vs-jolo-mass-murderers-terror-groups |access-date=April 5, 2019 |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190213054959/https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1078558/duterte-wants-all-out-war-vs-jolo-mass-murderers-terror-groups |archive-date=February 13, 2019 }}</ref><ref name="PhilStar-AllOutWar">{{cite news |last1=Matsuzawa |first1=Mikas |title=Military unleashes air strikes on Sulu after Duterte's 'all-out war' order |url=https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/30/1889345/military-unleashes-air-strikes-onsulu-after-dutertes-all-out-war-order |access-date=April 5, 2019 |work=The Philippine Star |agency=Agence France-Presse |date=January 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190209052643/https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/01/30/1889345/military-unleashes-air-strikes-onsulu-after-dutertes-all-out-war-order |archive-date=February 9, 2019}}</ref><ref name="MB-Offensives">{{cite news |last1=Recuenco |first1=Aaron |title=AFP launches offensive vs ASG |url=https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/31/afp-launches-offensive-vs-asg/ |access-date=April 5, 2019 |work=Manila Bulletin News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190131211312/https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/01/31/afp-launches-offensive-vs-asg/ |archive-date=January 31, 2019}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters]]
*[[Siege of Marawi]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060607015241/http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/terrorists/terjanjalani.htm Most Wanted Terrorists], [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]], US Department of Justice
* [http://www.cfr.org/publication/9235/ Council on Foreign Relations: Abu Sayyaf Group (Philippines, Islamist separatists)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080220084125/http://www.cfr.org/publication/9235/ |date=February 20, 2008 }}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070608112409/http://www.rewardsforjustice.net/english/index.cfm?page=Philippines Reward For Information] (on five ASG members), [[Rewards for Justice Program]], US Department of State
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060518105521/http://www.mindanews.com/2003/01/2nd/vws06torres.html Looking for al-Qaeda in the Philippines]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20051021005045/http://www.strategicstudiesinstitute.army.mil/pdffiles/PUB625.pdf#search=%22abu%20sayyaf%22 Balik-Terrorism: The Return of Abu Sayyaf (PDF)], [[Strategic Studies Institute]], [[US Army War College]]
* [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/10/18/14/bloodstained-trail-abu-sayyaf The bloodstained trail of the Abu Sayyaf] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151209020730/http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/10/18/14/bloodstained-trail-abu-sayyaf |date=December 9, 2015 }}, Agence France-Presse

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{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}

{{Southern Philippines Insurgency}}
{{Terrorism in Malaysia}}
{{IslamismSEA}}
{{War on Terrorism}}
{{Portal bar|Philippines}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Abu Sayyaf| ]]
[[Category:Islam-related controversies]]
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[[Category:Organized crime groups in the Philippines]]
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[[Category:Moro history]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1989]]
[[Category:Rebel groups in the Philippines]]
[[Category:Salafi jihadists]]
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