The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed on Saturday, Jan. 24, that at least five bodies believed to be passengers of the recreational motorbanca MBCA Amejara were found off Sarangani as search and rescue (SAR) operations remain ongoing for those missing.

Commodore Philipps Soria, commander of Coast Guard Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), said the cadavers were found within the PCG’s search area in Sarangani’s waters, particularly in Maitum town.

The first four cadavers were found by fishermen whose fishing vessel was owned by a PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) member, Rear Adm. Dominic Salazar, at 8:59 a.m. while the other one was spotted by Coast Guard personnel during an aerial patrol at 11:45 a.m.

“We want to announce that, yes, there are four unconfirmed individuals whose bodies were seen in the SAR area. Later this morning, around 11:45 a.m., our pilots reported while flying that they also spotted another floating body along with floating debris near the SAR area,” Soria said.

The bodies recovered by the fishermen were turned over to the crew of Philippine Navy vessel BRP Artemio Ricarte, who were close in the search area, for transport and proper disposition. Meanwhile, the cadaver sighted by the PCG personnel were also retrieved for identification.

“We need to identify those recovered,” Soria noted.

MBCA Amejara, a rented recreational boat carrying 16 individuals including 12 tourists for fishing, departed Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City on January 17 en route to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.

The boat was expected to arrive on Jan. 19 but strong winds, currents, and high waves in the Davao Gulf caused it to capsize.

The PCG immediately conducted SAR operations which resulted in the rescue of Christoper Bulig, a crew member, who was found clinging into a floating debris after 21 hours of search, roughly 70 nautical miles from Barangay Laker, Sarangani.

As of writing, 10 more individuals remain missing and Soria expressed hope that survivors could still be found.

“Yes, we are still very hopeful we will find survivors. Our indications are good,” he added.

According to the PCG, most of the passengers were wearing life jackets as confirmed in a photo shared by one of the passengers’ spouses.

“There was a picture that was seen and even sent by one of the passengers to their spouse. They were able to obtain that photo, and almost everyone in the picture was wearing a life jacket,” PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said.

She said the search has expanded to nearly 3,000 square kilometers from Davao Gulf down to Sarangani and even to the border of Indonesia.

She said assets and aircraft are being deployed continuously for the SAR operations, in coordination with local government units and partner agencies.

“We are constantly in coordination with other response agencies. We have also communicated with the Indonesian government for possible assistance in case a ship passes through the area and spots the missing vessel,” Cayabyab said.

The cause of the capsizing is under investigation but weather conditions and strong currents are believed to be contributing factors. The PCG clarified that overloading was not a factor as the vessel had a capacity of more than 16 passengers.

“We constantly remind coastal communities to check weather updates and sea conditions before sailing. The boat captain is primarily responsible for ensuring the vessel is seaworthy. Pre-departure inspection and safety declaration are part of our regulations,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Cayabyab said that the relief of the commander of the Coast Guard Sub-Station Santa Ana and seven others following the capsizing of MBCA Amejara was part of the procedural response to such incidents.

“This is standard procedure to avoid influencing the inquiry. Proper sanctions will be given if there are lapses. This will be a lesson to improve our policies,” Cayabyab said.