The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has reported a series of tragic incidents, with four separate drowning cases occurring across the Davao Region since the start of December 2025.
Details of the Drowning Incidents
According to a text message sent to SunStar Davao on January 2, 2025, the coast guard district confirmed the fatalities. The incidents were geographically spread, with one recorded in Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental. The three other drownings happened in Davao Oriental, specifically in the areas of Mati City, Manay, and Baganga. All four incidents occurred since December 2, 2025.
Medical Evacuations and Holiday Operations
Beyond responding to drownings, CGDSEM personnel were also busy with medical emergencies at sea. They conducted two medical evacuations for passengers during the period. The first was from MV Dream Power on December 3, 2025, for a passenger who suffered burns from hot water. The second evacuation was from MV Cape Pride on December 11, 2025, for a passenger experiencing dizziness, breathing difficulties, and vomiting.
These actions were part of the broader Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Pasko 2025, the Philippine Coast Guard's holiday travel safety campaign. As of January 4, 2026, CGDSEM reported assisting approximately 349,794 passengers under this initiative. The operation also involved rigorous safety checks, including the inspection of 230 vessels, 140,201 rolling cargoes, and 8,038 motorized bancas.
Ensuring Safe Maritime Travel
Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Pasko 2025 is a nationwide effort to manage the surge in sea travel during the holidays. It aims to guarantee safe, orderly, and secure maritime journeys for Filipinos. Under the plan, all Coast Guard units are placed on heightened alert. They perform intensified vessel inspections, deploy personnel to major ports, and coordinate with agencies like the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
The CGDSEM reminded the public to remain vigilant and to contact their official hotlines for immediate assistance or to report any safety concerns, irregularities, or emergencies at sea.
