The never-ending cycle of kidnapping for ransom in the Sulu-Celebes seas continues to be an area of concern despite the increase in multilateral security operations. Analysts say this is because kidnapping for ransom is a major source of funding for Abu Sayyaf’s terrorist activities, as well as the organised crime groups they work with for the abductions. Assoc Prof Bilveer Singh, adjunct senior fellow at RSIS, said that while it is less so with Indonesian groups such as Jemaah Ansharut Daulah due to the different environments they operate in, criminal activities remain a key part of Abu Sayyaf’s structure.