Abu Sayyaf militants from the Philippines seized five Indonesian fishermen from a vessel off eastern Borneo, Jakarta officials said Tuesday, the latest in a series of abductions in the area. Indonesia’s foreign ministry said it was working closely with Malaysian and Philippines authorities to rescue the crew while urging other fishermen to avoid the area. Eight crew members were aboard the vessel when it was boarded by the militants—who have distant links to the Islamic State organization—but three were allowed to go free.

ASG abducts 5 Indonesian fishermen, lets 3 other go. (2020, January 22). Manila Standard, p. A2.