By Roel Pareño and Evelyn Macairan
MANILA, Philippines – Combined Coast Guard and Navy units foiled an attempt by suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen to hijack a cargo vessel off Basilan yesterday.
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said the M/V Ocean Kingdom was attacked by suspected pirates on board two yellow speedboats some 25 nautical miles east of Matanal Point in Sibago Island in Basilan.
The armed men reportedly opened fire at the bridge of the cargo ship.
“We received information that the perpetrators fired multiple gunshots at the bridge of the vessel,” Balilo said.
There were no reported casualties while the PCG led a pursuit operation against the pirates.
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