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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Motorbanca with 13 individuals onboard goes missing off Davao Region; 1 rescued

Motorbanca with 13 individuals onboard goes missing off Davao Region; 1 rescued

Published Jan 20, 2026 01:25 pm
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel rescue one of the 13 individuals onboard the recreational boat MBCA Amejara, which went missing off Davao Region, on Jan. 20, 2026. (Photo: PCG)
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel rescue one of the 13 individuals onboard the recreational boat MBCA Amejara, which went missing off Davao Region, on Jan. 20, 2026. (Photo: PCG)
A motorbanca with 13 people onboard went missing off Davao Region, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
MBCA Amejara, a recreational motorbanca carrying nine passengers and four crew members, departed Sta. Ana Wharf, Davao City around 8 p.m. last Saturday, Jan. 17, and was expected to arrive at its destination at Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental on Monday, Jan. 19, but never did.
Investigators believe the vessel sank off Sarangani on Monday.
The PCG activated its search and rescue (SAR) units after receiving the report to look for the missing boat and its passengers and crew members.
PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said one of the crew members was rescued around 11 a.m. on Tuesday while drifting in waters off Sarangani.
“Coast Guard SAR operations now cover the Sarangani area. Maritime patrols and coastal monitoring are being intensified, in coordination with fisherfolk communities and local government units,” she added.
The PCG said it has obtained the names of all the passengers and crew members of the missing boat. However, the agency opted not to release their identities yet because they will still be subject to validation.
A total of 14 floating assets and one aircraft were deployed for the search and rescue mission including the BRP Malamawi, BRP Tagbanua, BRP Artemio Ricarte, BRP Panglao, patrol craft PS-37, a multi-purpose attack craft, rigid-hull inflatable boats, a loaned motorbanca, five jetskis, and a Beechcraft C-90 King Air aircraft operated by the Philippine Navy.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao issued a Notice to Mariners advising vessels and fisherfolk to stay alert while transiting the waters of Malita, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Balut Island, Sarangani Island, Jose Abad Santos, North Jose Abad Santos, and Governor Generoso.
“We assure that the search and rescue team will continue doubling its effort and do everything to locate the passengers and ensure their safety,” said Commodore Philipps Soria, commander of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao.

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PCG MBCA Amejara Davao Region
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