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Advocates Philippines
8 Coast Guard Personnel Relieved As Search For MBCA Amejara Intensifies
Photo credit: Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao
BANAYBANAY, Davao Oriental — Search and rescue operations continue to intensify for the missing recreational motorbanca MBCA Amejara as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed the relief of eight Coast Guard personnel amid an ongoing investigation into the maritime incident.
The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) held a Search and Rescue (SAR) press briefing on January 22, 2026, at Coast Guard Station Davao in Sta. Ana, Davao City, providing updates on the multi-agency efforts to locate the remaining missing passengers.
The briefing was led by CDR Macy A. Gabion, PCG, Acting Deputy Commander of CGDSEM, together with representatives from the Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-11), and Department of Health (DOH-11). Officials underscored close inter-agency coordination, with both surface vessels and aerial assets deployed across the Davao Gulf and nearby waters.
One Survivor Rescued
Authorities confirmed that one survivor has been rescued since search operations began.
At around 10:46 a.m. on January 20, CGDSEM, through Coast Guard Sub-Station Maveas, in coordination with the Security Border Patrol Unit–Southeastern Mindanao and the PNP Maritime Group, rescued Christopher Bulig, a crew member of MBCA Amejara.
Bulig was immediately provided medical assistance and transported for further treatment. The Coast Guard said search and rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities work to locate the remaining missing individuals.
Eight Coast Guard Personnel Relieved
As rescue efforts continue, the Coast Guard confirmed that the commander of the Coast Guard Sta. Ana Substation and seven other personnel have been relieved from their posts.
“This is the verbal instruction of the district commander,” Gabion said on Thursday, January 22, at Sta. Ana Port in Davao City.
She clarified that the relief is part of an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the motorbanca.
Confirmed Passenger Count
According to Notice to Mariners No. 01-2026 issued by Coast Guard Station Davao Occidental on January 19, 2026, MBCA Amejara was carrying a total of 15 persons when it went missing—11 passengers and four crew members.
The motorbanca departed Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City at around 5:20 p.m. on January 19, bound for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, but failed to reach its destination.
Large-Scale Search Operations
In response, CGDSEM launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, deploying 14 vessels and aircraft. Assets involved include PCG vessels BRP Malamawi, BRP Panglao, and MVS-3010, as well as Philippine Navy ships BRP Artemio Ricarte, BRP Tagbanua, a multi-purpose attack craft (BA-491), and a Navy C-90 aircraft.
The Coast Guard also issued a Notice to Mariners, urging vessels and fisherfolk in the Davao Gulf to remain vigilant, particularly in the waters off Malita, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Balut Island, Sarangani Island, Jose Abad Santos, North Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, and Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
“We assure that the Search and Rescue team will continue doubling its effort and do everything to locate the passengers and ensure their safety,” Commodore Philipps Y. Soria, District Commander of CGDSEM, said.
LGU Orders Continuous Patrols
Meanwhile, Banaybanay Mayor Lemuel Ian-M. Larcia Lemu issued Memorandum Order No. 042, Series of 2026, directing maritime enforcement units and volunteer groups to conduct continuous maritime patrols and search operations.
The order covers the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Banaybanay Municipal Police Station, PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard–Banaybanay Substation, and Bantay Dagat, emphasizing close coordination and regular situation reports to the mayor’s office.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustained rescue efforts, transparency, and inter-agency coordination until all missing passengers of MBCA Amejara are accounted for.
The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) held a Search and Rescue (SAR) press briefing on January 22, 2026, at Coast Guard Station Davao in Sta. Ana, Davao City, providing updates on the multi-agency efforts to locate the remaining missing passengers.
The briefing was led by CDR Macy A. Gabion, PCG, Acting Deputy Commander of CGDSEM, together with representatives from the Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-11), and Department of Health (DOH-11). Officials underscored close inter-agency coordination, with both surface vessels and aerial assets deployed across the Davao Gulf and nearby waters.
One Survivor Rescued
Authorities confirmed that one survivor has been rescued since search operations began.
At around 10:46 a.m. on January 20, CGDSEM, through Coast Guard Sub-Station Maveas, in coordination with the Security Border Patrol Unit–Southeastern Mindanao and the PNP Maritime Group, rescued Christopher Bulig, a crew member of MBCA Amejara.
Bulig was immediately provided medical assistance and transported for further treatment. The Coast Guard said search and rescue operations remain ongoing as authorities work to locate the remaining missing individuals.
Eight Coast Guard Personnel Relieved
As rescue efforts continue, the Coast Guard confirmed that the commander of the Coast Guard Sta. Ana Substation and seven other personnel have been relieved from their posts.
“This is the verbal instruction of the district commander,” Gabion said on Thursday, January 22, at Sta. Ana Port in Davao City.
She clarified that the relief is part of an internal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of the motorbanca.
Confirmed Passenger Count
According to Notice to Mariners No. 01-2026 issued by Coast Guard Station Davao Occidental on January 19, 2026, MBCA Amejara was carrying a total of 15 persons when it went missing—11 passengers and four crew members.
The motorbanca departed Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City at around 5:20 p.m. on January 19, bound for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, but failed to reach its destination.
Large-Scale Search Operations
In response, CGDSEM launched a large-scale search and rescue operation, deploying 14 vessels and aircraft. Assets involved include PCG vessels BRP Malamawi, BRP Panglao, and MVS-3010, as well as Philippine Navy ships BRP Artemio Ricarte, BRP Tagbanua, a multi-purpose attack craft (BA-491), and a Navy C-90 aircraft.
The Coast Guard also issued a Notice to Mariners, urging vessels and fisherfolk in the Davao Gulf to remain vigilant, particularly in the waters off Malita, Sta. Maria, Don Marcelino, Balut Island, Sarangani Island, Jose Abad Santos, North Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental, and Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
“We assure that the Search and Rescue team will continue doubling its effort and do everything to locate the passengers and ensure their safety,” Commodore Philipps Y. Soria, District Commander of CGDSEM, said.
LGU Orders Continuous Patrols
Meanwhile, Banaybanay Mayor Lemuel Ian-M. Larcia Lemu issued Memorandum Order No. 042, Series of 2026, directing maritime enforcement units and volunteer groups to conduct continuous maritime patrols and search operations.
The order covers the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), Banaybanay Municipal Police Station, PNP Maritime Group, Philippine Coast Guard–Banaybanay Substation, and Bantay Dagat, emphasizing close coordination and regular situation reports to the mayor’s office.
Authorities reiterated their commitment to sustained rescue efforts, transparency, and inter-agency coordination until all missing passengers of MBCA Amejara are accounted for.
Jan 22, 2026
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