On June 21, 2002, after being tracked by United States and Philippine forces, Sabaya was confronted by a Special Warfare Group team of the Philippine Navy. After attempting to evade capture, Sabaya was shot and killed at sea. Four other members of the Abu Sayyaf survived and were arrested during the incident.[5] According to Australian scholar Bob East, Sabaya's death has had a significant impact on the Abu Sayyaf, as the number of operatives working for the group sharply decreased from 1100 in 2001 to 450 in late 2002, and had since been stagnant for the next ten years.[2]