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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider 'No distress call from missing vessel'

'No distress call from missing vessel'

Published Jan 21, 2026 02:57 pm
THE Philippine Coast Guard continues the search for a missing boat in the sea of Sarangani Island. (PCG)
THE Philippine Coast Guard continues the search for a missing boat in the sea of Sarangani Island. (PCG)
DAVAO CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine National Police-Regional Maritime Unit (PNP-RMU) bared on Wednesday, Jan. 21, that they did not receive any distress call from a missing recreational vessel on Monday.
Only one of 15 people on board MBCA Amejara was rescued on Tuesday.
PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemi Cayabyab said that all their substations in Davao Gulf did not receive a direct distress call from the boat.
Cayabyab added that they learned about the incident after one of the wives of those onboard communicated with them on Jan. 19.
PNP RMU-Davao region chief Police Col. Melvin Laguros also said that their units in the vicinity of the Davao Gulf did not receive any distress call.
Laguros said that the PCG informed the RMU in Davao Occidental about the incident on Monday afternoon.
"We immediately sent our personnel into the sea to conduct search and rescue. Unfortunately, they were not able to locate the boat and the passengers," he added.
Laguros said PNP RMU-Davao Region, PCG, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine Air Force are still conducting search and rescue operations in the vicinity of Sarangani Island, the southernmost town of Davao Occidental.
"We are still hoping to find the other missing people. We hope they were already rescued by the fisherfolk, " he said.
Aside from government assets, Cayabyab said that fisherfolk are helping out as search and rescue operations enter its third day.
A private individual has mobilized at least 20 fishermen in Sarangani Island to help in the SAR operations.
Cayabyab said that they will investigate reports that the recreational vessel was not given clearance to sail and other pertinent documents.
"For now, we are still focusing on the ongoing SAR because we are racing against time. Then later on, we will investigate all these reports given to us," she said.
A volunteer in the SAR mission said that the operation could cover about 6,000-square kilometers, stretching from the coastline of Malita and southwest of Sarangani Island.
"The water current is really strong in that area, especially further south of Balut Island (Sarangani Island). Sea is very rough also whenever there are weather disturbances," said the volunteer, a seasoned diver.
The PCG said SAR teams from different agencies were assigned to specific areas.
Cayabyab said SAR teams are considering water current and sea conditions following the rescue of one of the missing boat's crew members – Christopher Bulig.
Bulig was found floating in the vicinity of Barangay Laker in Sarangani Island on Tuesday.
The PCG said the boat reportedly capsized about 22 nautical miles or about 40 kilometers east of the shoreline of Davao Occidental.
The vessel was carrying fishing enthusiasts and departed Santa Ana Port here on Jan. 17. It was expected to arrive at Gov. Generoso town, Davao Occidental on Monday.

Related Tags

PCG MBCA Amejara Search and rescue Sarangani Davao Occidental
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