In April and September 2000, the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf militants took hostages - some foreign tourists - from the islands of Sipadan and Pandanan. The guerilla group is currently being targeted by military forces in the Philippines, and there is concern that the group may strike again. Visitors are advised to be extra vigilant when traveling in eastern Sabah and to altogether avoid the islands off of Sabah's east coast, including Sipadan and Pandanan.