On 30-October-2018, the ReCAAP ISC piracy reporting center warned that a faction of the ASG is preparing to launch another round of pirate attacks in the waters off Sabah. According to ReCAAP, the PCG believes that 10 ASG members are planning to conduct kidnappings in East Sabah “at any opportune time.”

The ASG fighters do not have specific targets but are expected to target “businessmen or ship’s crew of foreign vessels passing through these waters.” The fighters are using an unmarked blue and white motorized launch of Malaysian design called a Jungkong.

ReCAAP reports ASG is heavily armed with pistols, rifles, and grenade launchers. Mariners are strongly advised to exercise vigilance when transiting those waters. At the Port of Zamboanga, the PCG is deploying security teams and K9 units to prevent “entry of lawless elements,” according to LCDR Noriel Ramos. Zamboanga, a seaport, is home to the ASG.