Eighth Day of Search Operations Yields Another Victim in Davao Gulf Tragedy
The Office of Civil Defense–Davao Region (OCD-Davao) has confirmed the recovery of another cadaver on Sunday afternoon, January 25, 2026, marking a somber development in the ongoing maritime incident. This discovery brings the total number of bodies retrieved to six since the search intensified over the weekend.
Search Area Shifts Based on Drift Analysis
On Monday, January 26, 2026, the Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) announced a strategic adjustment in their search and rescue (SAR) operations. After eight days of relentless efforts, authorities have redirected focus between Sector 4 and the adjacent upper portion of Sector 3. This decision follows updated drift analysis suggesting that remains may be circulating closer to Sarangani Bay and the northern Celebes Sea.
CGDSEM reported that as of Sunday, January 25, SAR operations for the capsized motorbanca MBCA Amejara had entered their seventh day, with primary attention already concentrated on Sector 4. This sector represents the outermost search zone in Southern Mindanao waters, encompassing deep offshore areas in the southern Celebes Sea. The region is situated southwest of Sarangani and Davao Occidental, near the outer edge of the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Recovery Details and Location
The latest recovery occurred later on Sunday afternoon in the designated search area. According to Coast Guard officials, the body was retrieved through the DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel MCS 3010 during intensified SAR operations. The recovery took place in waters off Buca Point, Maasim, Sarangani, approximately 43.06 nautical miles southwest by south.
Authorities have noted that most of the previously recovered cadavers were located at least 75 nautical miles offshore. These victims were found in waters approaching, but not crossing, the boundary of the country’s EEZ near Indonesia. The five bodies recovered on Saturday morning, January 24, were discovered six days after the motorbanca was reported capsized in the Davao Gulf on January 19.
Maritime Jurisdiction and Continued Efforts
Despite the proximity of Sector 4 to international maritime boundaries, the area remains under Philippine search-and-rescue responsibility in accordance with international maritime law. CGDSEM Commander Commodore Philip Soria explained that the decision to continue focusing on Sector 4 and parts of Sector 3 was guided by the recovery of cadavers and debris. These findings validated drift projections indicating that victims may have been carried farther south into open waters by prevailing currents.
"Tomorrow, we will move up to the upper portion of Sector 3 and Sector 4, of course with the assets of the Philippine Navy, including two ships, LC 206 and PS 37," Soria stated during an online press briefing with Davao reporters. "Assisting in aerial surveillance is a Philippine Navy aircraft, while the Coast Guard has four vessels deployed for search and rescue operations and one aircraft for aerial search."
Multi-Agency Collaboration and Assets
The search operation has evolved into a multi-agency effort involving significant resources. Soria added that the Philippine Air Force has committed additional air assets to the mission. "The PAF has dedicated two Black Hawk helicopters and one Cessna Caravan that are also helping in the aerial search," he confirmed.
Despite the prolonged and challenging nature of the search, Soria emphasized that the Coast Guard remains hopeful. "We are not losing hope. The human spirit to survive is very high," he asserted. "Our search and rescue operations will continue until they are no longer practicable."
Background of the Incident
The motorbanca MBCA Amejara departed from Santa Ana Wharf in Davao City at about 8 p.m. on January 17, 2026, for a fishing trip to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. Authorities have revealed that the vessel sailed without the required permit and was reported missing on January 19 after encountering rough sea conditions in the Davao Gulf.
Current Status and Investigation
All recovered bodies are currently at St. Peter Funeral Parlor in Panacan, Davao City, where they are undergoing identification procedures by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Post-mortem examinations are also being conducted as part of the investigative process.
As of Monday, January 26, nine individuals remain unaccounted for in this tragic maritime incident. The identities of the recovered victims have been withheld pending further investigation, respecting the privacy of the families involved and the ongoing legal procedures.
