Latest news with #AbuSayyaf
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
The world's most dangerous country revealed in new global survey — and it's probably not where you think
Their national flag is red. As tensions rise around the world, picking summer travel destinations can be like navigating an international minefield. As a service to globetrotters, financial comparison site Hellosafe has ranked the most dangerous nations to travel, revealing that the Philippines is the most unsafe vacation nation on Earth for 2025. They compiled this 'travel safety index' based on 35 different criteria that were boiled down into five categories: the frequency of natural disasters, societal violence, involvement in armed conflict (internal or external), health infrastructure and militarization, per the site. Based on these indicators, nations were rated on a scale from 0 to 100 with 0 representing the safest and 100 being the most dangerous. Hellosafe assured readers that 'this index is not intended to reflect the tourist attractiveness of a country, but rather a global index of security and safety based on the largest possible number of objective criteria.' The Philippines ranked first on this dangerous nation decathlon with a score of 82.32 out of 100, which the index attributed to 'high levels of violence within society.' In October 2024, 26-year-old American YouTuber Elliot Onil Eastman was abducted at gunpoint from a small island in the country's south by four masked men masquerading as police officers. He is currently presumed dead. The nation is also home to Muslim rebel groups like the Abu Sayyaf group, a terrorist organization known for kidnapping foreigners for ransom. Despite the alleged danger, the Philippines remains a popular destination for travelers with 5.4 million foreign travelers making their way to the idyllic Southeast Asian isles in 2024. Coming in at No. 2 and 3, respectively, were Colombia (79.21) and Mexico (78.42), which both have high levels of crime and kidnapping, according to the US State Department. In fact, they warn US tourists not to travel to certain areas, such as Michoacan and Sinaloa for this very reason Rounding out the Top 5 list of most dangerous nations were India and Russia with respective scores of 77.86 and 75.65. This comes amid heightened fears that war could break out between India and Pakistan following clashes in the disputed region of Kashmir last month. Meanwhile, there appears to be no end in sight for the Russia-Ukraine war, which recently saw Putin launch one of his largest airstrikes on Kyiv since the conflict broke out in 2022. Coincidentally, the US ranked as the 14th least safe country for travel with a score of 59.47 despite an overall downward trend in crime in major US cities. Philippines (82.31) Colombia (79.21) Mexico (78.42) India (77.86) Russia (75.65) Yemen (74.6) Indonesia (72.94) Somalia (70.8() Mozambique (69.69) Pakistan (68.03) Fortunately, there are plenty of perfectly safe nations where people can decamp for the summer, most of which are concentrated in Europe, per the Index. Clocking in at No. 1 was Iceland (18.23), followed by Singapore (19.99), then Denmark (20.05). Meanwhile, Austria (20.31) and Switzerland (20.51) rounded out the top five. Iceland (18.23) Singapore (19.99) Denmark (20.05) Austria (20.31) Switzerland (20.51) Czech Republic (21.19) Slovenia (21.44) Finland (21.81) Ireland (22.49) Hungary (22.87)
New York Post
2 days ago
- New York Post
The world's most dangerous country revealed in new global survey — and it's probably not where you think
Their national flag is red. As tensions rise around the world, picking summer travel destinations can be like navigating an international minefield. As a service to globetrotters, financial comparison site Hellosafe has ranked the most dangerous nations to travel, revealing that the Philippines is the most unsafe vacation nation on Earth for 2025. They compiled this 'travel safety index' based on 35 different criteria that were boiled down into five categories: the frequency of natural disasters, societal violence, involvement in armed conflict (internal or external), health infrastructure and militarization, per the site. Based on these indicators, nations were rated on a scale from 0 to 100 with 0 representing the safest and 100 being the most dangerous. 5 An iconic Philippine jeep in the streets of Manila. Nathaniel Gonzales – Hellosafe assured readers that 'this index is not intended to reflect the tourist attractiveness of a country, but rather a global index of security and safety based on the largest possible number of objective criteria.' The Philippines ranked first on this dangerous nation decathlon with a score of 82.32 out of 100, which the index attributed to 'high levels of violence within society.' In October 2024, 26-year-old American YouTuber Elliot Onil Eastman was abducted at gunpoint from a small island in the country's south by four masked men masquerading as police officers. He is currently presumed dead. 5 Red Square in Moscow. Helen Filatova – The nation is also home to Muslim rebel groups like the Abu Sayyaf group, a terrorist organization known for kidnapping foreigners for ransom. Despite the alleged danger, the Philippines remains a popular destination for travelers with 5.4 million foreign travelers making their way to the idyllic Southeast Asian isles in 2024. 5 Aerial view of the skyline of Bogota, Colombia. pabloacruz – Coming in at number 2 and 3, respectively, were Colombia (79.21) and Mexico (78.42), which both have high levels of crime and kidnapping, according to the US State Department. In fact, they warn US tourists not to travel to certain areas, such as Michoacan and Sinaloa for this very reason Rounding out the top five list of most dangerous nations were India and Russia with respective scores of 77.86 and 75.65. 5 Pushkar, India. henktennapel – This comes amid heightened fears that war could break out between India and Pakistan following clashes in the disputed region of Kashmir last month. Meanwhile, there appears to be no end in sight for the Russia-Ukraine war, which recently saw Putin launch one of his largest airstrikes on Kyiv since the conflict broke out in 2022. Coincidentally, the US ranked as the 14th least safe country for travel with a score of 59.47 despite an overall downward trend in crime in major US cities. 5 Temple of Kukulkan Pyramid at Chichen Itza, one of the largest ancient Maya cities discovered by archaeologists in Yucatan, Mexico. ronniechua – The top ten most dangerous nations Philippines (82.31) Colombia (79.21) Mexico (78.42) India (77.86) Russia (75.65) Yemen (74.6) Indonesia (72.94) Somalia (70.8() Mozambique (69.69) Pakistan (68.03) Fortunately, there are plenty of perfectly safe nations where people can decamp for the summer, most of which are concentrated in Europe, per the Index. Clocking in at number one was Iceland (18.23), followed by Singapore (19.99), then Denmark (20.05). Meanwhile, Austria (20.31) and Switzerland (20.51) rounded out the top five. The top ten safest nations Iceland (18.23) Singapore (19.99) Denmark (20.05) Austria (20.31) Switzerland (20.51) Czech Republic (21.19) Slovenia (21.44) Finland (21.81) Ireland (22.49) Hungary (22.87)
GMA Network
5 days ago
- Politics
- GMA Network
Basilan province officially free from Abu Sayyaf Group —Galvez, Lagdameo
The province of Basilan has been officially declared free from the presence and threat of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr said Monday. 'Isang napakalaking karangalan na makasama kayong lahat ngayon sa pagdeklara natin sa lalawigan ng Basilan bilang Abu Sayyaf free,' Galvez said during a ceremony in Lamitan City. (It is a great honor to be with you all today as we declare Basilan province as Abu Sayyaf free.) Lagdameo said the declaration was the product of persistent efforts by both local and national agencies in pursuit of peace and stability. 'As envisioned by President (Ferdinand Jr.) Marcos not only for Bangsamoro region, but for the entire country, collaborative peace shall be the foundation of progress and development… as what is shown today,' he said, adding, 'as we raise the flag of peace over Basilan, may it be a beacon for other regions still battling the shadows of violence.' As part of the ceremony, a symbolic demilitarization process was held where over 300 surrendered high-powered firearms were publicly destroyed using a steamroller. A peace marker was also unveiled. Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman said, 'May every leader who comes after us continue to guard this peace, and may our children never have to live the story we are finally closing." Others present were Basilan Ulama Supreme Council president Aboulkhair Tarason, Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay, LtGen. Leonardo Peña of Joint Task Force Orion, Basilan PNP Provincial Director Col. Cerrazid Umabong, and Basilan Vice Governor Yusop Alano. In December 2024, the military said the province of Basilan is free from ASG following the surrender of terrorist group's reported last four members a day after Christmas on December 26. According to the 101st Infantry Brigade, the four ASG members turned themselves in to Brigadier General Alvin Luzon in Barangay Guiong, Sumisip town. They were identified as alias 'Jaber,' alias 'Yajid,' alias 'Juhah,' and alias 'Dadih.' Their four cohorts also surrendered. —Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News
Free Malaysia Today
23-04-2025
- Free Malaysia Today
25 years after Sipadan: a survivor's story
On this day 25 years ago, Abu Sayyaf militants abducted 21 people – Malaysians and foreigners – from Sipadan Island, off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : Sometimes, the smallest decisions can leave a lasting impact. For Kua Yu Loong, it was the simple choice of leaving the bathroom and heading to the kitchen at the Sipadan resort where he worked as a cook. It was just a two-minute walk, and he only intended to remind his staff to leave the kitchen door open for him, never imagining that this seemingly trivial act would drastically change his life for the next four months. As he made his way back to the bathroom, the unthinkable happened. 'From behind, two people grabbed my hands and I felt a gun pushed against my waist,' the 48-year-old told FMT Lifestyle. He was later taken to the resort's dining hall, where he saw others being held captive. That day – April 23, 2000 – Kua and 20 others became hostages in what would later be known as the Sipadan kidnappings. What followed was a harrowing ordeal. The hostages were separated into two boats by their heavily armed abductors – whom Kua learnt later were members of the Abu Sayyaf militant group – and transported to Jolo Island in the Philippines. ADVERTISEMENT VIDCRUNCH Next Stay Playback speed 1x Normal Quality Auto Back 360p 240p 144p Auto Back 0.25x 0.5x 1x Normal 1.5x 2x / Skip Ads by Looking back, Kua Yu Loong says he is simply grateful to have survived the ordeal. (Kua Yu Loong pics) 'On the boat, I wondered: what did they want? Where were they taking us? Those were the only thoughts running through my mind,' he recalled. 'I wanted to escape but I was scared that they'd shoot me,' he added. By the time the boat departed, Kua recalled, it was already about 8pm and they wouldn't arrive at Jolo Island until the following day. The journey was eerily quiet: the abductors didn't speak to them, nor were they violent. Upon arriving on the island, the hostages were led into the jungle until they reached a clearing. 'They told us to enter a house and line up for food,' he shared, adding that earlier, each hostage had been given two packets of biscuits and a bottle of soft drink. The hostages, Kua shared, were later split into smaller groups. The first month was especially harrowing. Kua with fellow survivor Ken Fong on a trip to Bali last year. (Kua Yu Loong pic) He and three other Malaysians had to live in what he believed had once been a chicken coop. After eight days, the hostages were forced to move daily, changing their location in the jungle each night. They would begin trekking around 5pm and continue until midnight. And on one occasion, he revealed, they walked until 2am. 'The Philippine government had already discovered that the Abu Sayyaf had a base here. They thought the government would try to rescue us. That's why they kept moving us from place to place,' said Kua. For food, they were given rice with sardines or, occasionally, salted fish. Thankfully, things began to improve in the second month as the abductors stopped moving them around – a change Kua speculated could have been the result of government negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf group. Living and food conditions became more bearable as they began staying in a makeshift shelter made from zinc and wood. They also ate military food rations sent by the Malaysian government. The abductors, Kua said, weren't violent towards them; still, he knew that trying to escape would be futile. 'After dark, I would hear gunshots and even bomb explosions at times. Where could I escape to?' Through the long uncertain days and nights, Kua held on to a single hope: 'I wanted to stay alive and make it back to Malaysia.' Kua with his wife, Lu Jiing Rong, and daughters Angela (second left) and Erica. (Kua Yu Loong pic) Once the hostages were gradually released, that hope grew stronger – until finally, Kua's long-awaited day came in August. By then, he had been in captivity for about four months. 'One of the abductors called out: 'Ken, Yu Loong, Basilius, it's time for you to go home,'' recalled Kua, referring to two other Malaysian hostages, Ken Fong and Basilius Jim. The trio, who were the last Malaysians to be released, were driven to another village on Jolo Island. Since it was already dark when they arrived, they were told that the journey would continue the next morning. 'That night, we didn't sleep at all. We were waiting for morning to arrive,' Kua recalled. They had been informed that a vehicle would pick them up at 8am. 'When it didn't arrive by 10am, we told them, 'Just let us know if we can return home. Don't give us false hope.'' Kua has told his daughters Angela and Erica: 'You can go to any country – but not the Philippines'. (Kua Yu Loong pic) To their immense relief, the vehicle finally arrived around 11am. Kua said they were taken to a local leader's residence in the city, where they ate and showered before being transported to the airport. 'When we arrived at the airport, I saw Ken's father at the plane's entrance,' he said, adding that Fong's father later piloted the plane to Zamboanga City before they made their way back to Malaysia. Asked about the moment he finally felt safe, he said: 'It was when we landed at the airport in Kota Kinabalu. The moment the plane's wheels touched the runway, I thought, 'I'm finally home.'' Looking back, Kua said he is grateful to have survived the ordeal, and that it has taught him to treasure his family even more. After returning home, Kua got married and opened a restaurant in his hometown of Semporna in Sabah. He is also the proud father of two daughters. 'I've told my daughters this: 'You can go to any country – but not the Philippines.''
South China Morning Post
26-03-2025
- South China Morning Post
Piracy threat prompts dark sail for cruise ship in Philippine waters
Passengers aboard a luxury cruise liner were plunged into an eerie cloak of darkness recently as the ship navigated through a stretch of water in the southern Philippines notorious for piracy. Advertisement Crew members on the Cunard-operated vessel Queen Anne instructed guests to turn off unnecessary lights, draw their curtains, and remain vigilant as the ship sailed through the Sulu and Celebes seas. The promenade deck was closed overnight and external lighting was dimmed to minimise visibility from the outside. 'This area is known for piracy threats,' a crew member announced over the ship's broadcast system, as heard in a TikTok video of the incident. 'Therefore, we will be operating at a heightened level of security alertness during the period.' The heightened precautions were a result of Abu Sayyaf, a militant separatist group aligned with Islamic Static that has conducted kidnappings and demanded ransoms in recent years. While passengers were understandably on edge, the crew sought to reassure them, stating that the risk of piracy against a ship as large as the Queen Anne was 'absolutely minimal'. Stretching 323 metres (1,060 feet) with 14 decks, the Queen Anne is a floating city capable of hosting nearly 3,000 passengers and more than 1,200 crew members. Advertisement The Sulu and Celebes seas have long been a hotspot for maritime crime. Between 2016 and 2020, Abu Sayyaf abducted 85 seafarers from 21 vessels, primarily targeting smaller ships such as fishing trawlers and tugboats, according to maritime security advisory firm Risk Intelligence.
