THE Philippine Coast Guard foiled an attack on a cargo vessel by suspected pirates early Tuesday, April 18, off Zamboanga del Norte, an official announced.
Zamboanga Coast Guard Station Commander Alvin Dagalea said the attack was foiled around 6:30 a.m., Tuesday, in the high seas of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.
Dagalea said the cargo vessel, M/V Doña Anabelle, was sailing to Zamboanga City coming from Iloilo when gunmen aboard on two motorboats intercepted the merchant ship.
Dagalea said the gunmen aborted the attack and sped off after seeing the arriving security forces of Coast Guard and Navy vessels as they respond to the distress call of M/V Doña Anabelle.
No one was reported killed or injured during the incident, according to Dagalea.
He added that the cargo vessel continued its voyage to Zamboanga City escorted by Navy and Coast Guard ships.
Security has been beefed up in the waters off Zamboanga, Sulu, and in Celebes seas following hijacking incidents perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf bandits. (SunStar Philippines)