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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Alert PH Navy troops save 9 passengers from capsized banca off Mactan-Cebu Channel

Alert PH Navy troops save 9 passengers from capsized banca off Mactan-Cebu Channel

Published Mar 25, 2026 04:09 pm
Philippine Navy personnel rescue passengers from a capsized motor banca off Mactan-Cebu Channel on March 24, 2026. (Photo: Naval Forces Central)
Philippine Navy personnel rescue passengers from a capsized motor banca off Mactan-Cebu Channel on March 24, 2026. (Photo: Naval Forces Central)
Alert Philippine Navy (PN) personnel rescued nine individuals, including two children, after a motorized banca capsized off the Mactan-Cebu Channel on Tuesday, March 24.
The boat was sailing approximately 20 yards from Captain Veloso Pier, Naval Base Rafael Ramos in Lapu-Lapu City when it overturned due to big waves and strong winds, according to Commander Alvin Aton, spokesperson of the Naval Forces Central (NFC).
The busy channel, located between Mactan Island and mainland Cebu, is a key maritime corridor for small fishing vessels and inter-island transport.
When the boat capsized, on duty gangway watch of BRP Tausug (LC803), a Navy landing craft vessel that had just completed its dry-docking, noticed the incident and promptly raised the alarm for a coordinated search and rescue operation.
A gangway watch is a 24/7 security duty tasked with controlling all access to a vessel while it is docked or at anchor.
They were joined by personnel of the BRP Fort San Antonio Abad, another Navy vessel awaiting its scheduled dry-docking.
The troops secured all passengers without injury and retrieved the boat to prevent hazards to navigation in the area, Aton said.
The rescued passengers were brought aboard Navy landing craft BRP Bagobo (LC801) for initial assessment and interview to ensure their safety and comfort.
A medical team from the Naval Installation and Facilities – Central (NIF-C) was also deployed to conduct thorough check-ups on the rescued passengers.
“[The] Naval Forces Central, your Navy in the Visayas, remains committed in delivering prompt and effective maritime response, safeguarding lives at-sea, and ensuring the welfare of coastal communities through vigilance, readiness, and coordinated action,” Aton said.

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