Coast Guard Personnel Relieved as Search Intensifies for Missing Vessel in Mindanao Waters
The Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has taken decisive action by relieving the commander of the Coast Guard Sta. Ana Substation along with seven personnel. This move comes as part of the ongoing investigation into the capsizing of motorbanca MBCA Amejara, which remains missing in the waters off Sarangani and Davao Occidental.
Leadership Changes Amid Ongoing Probe
Macy Gabion, acting deputy commander of CGDSEM, confirmed that the directive to relieve the eight personnel originated from the district commander. "This is the verbal instruction of the district commander," Gabion stated during a briefing at Sta. Ana Port in Davao City on Thursday, January 22, 2026. The personnel were reassigned to the CGDSEM headquarters on January 19, 2026, the same day the vessel was officially reported missing.
Gabion emphasized that the names of the relieved commander and personnel will not be disclosed publicly, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. This administrative action underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the incident and their commitment to a thorough review of the circumstances surrounding the vessel's disappearance.
Timeline of the Maritime Incident
The motorbanca MBCA Amejara embarked on its journey from Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City at approximately 8 a.m. on January 17, 2026. Its intended destination was Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental. However, the vessel was last sighted in the waters off Sarangani, Davao Occidental, and failed to reach its destination. Authorities officially declared it missing on January 19 at around 3 p.m., prompting immediate search and rescue efforts.
According to survivor Christopher Bulig, a crew member who managed to escape the tragedy, the vessel capsized due to the Amihan season's harsh conditions. Bulig reported encountering violent winds and towering waves in the Davao Gulf, which ultimately led to the motorbanca's capsizing. This account highlights the challenging weather patterns that maritime vessels often face in the region during this time of year.
Massive Search and Rescue Operations Underway
In response to the emergency, the Coast Guard has mobilized all available assets for intensive search and rescue operations. Gabion revealed that authorities have deployed an islander aircraft to conduct aerial searches across the vast expanse of Mindanao's seas. The coordination extends beyond government agencies to include private individuals who have committed air assets and drones to assist in the efforts.
These private assets will be integrated into the operations once they undergo proper inspection and clearance by the Coast Guard, ensuring they meet safety and operational standards. This collaborative approach demonstrates the comprehensive nature of the search mission, leveraging both public and private resources to maximize coverage and effectiveness.
Military Assets on Standby for Support
The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) has positioned significant resources to support the search efforts. LtCdr. Jerome Bryan Mauring, CMO officer of NFEM, acknowledged the challenges of locating missing individuals in Mindanao's extensive maritime territory. Despite having all assets in place, the vastness of the search area presents considerable difficulties for rescue teams.
Mauring detailed the specific assets available:
- A C28 maritime patrol aircraft en route from Mactan, Cebu to Davao, equipped with advanced camera technology capable of zooming in on distant objects
- Rotary Aircraft and Black Hawk helicopters stationed in General Santos City on standby for potential air evacuation missions
- Certified scuba divers prepared for immediate deployment to either General Santos City or Davao as needed
This multi-faceted approach combines aerial surveillance, rapid response capabilities, and specialized diving teams to address various scenarios that might arise during the search operations.
International Coordination and Assistance
The Coast Guard has actively engaged in international coordination to enhance the search efforts. CGDSEM officials have established communication with Indonesian authorities, sending and receiving correspondence on January 21, 2026, to inform them of the ongoing operations. This cross-border cooperation is crucial given the geographical proximity and shared maritime boundaries in the region.
However, Gabion noted that as of the latest updates, coordination has not yet been established with the American and Chinese Coast Guard counterparts. The focus remains on leveraging existing regional partnerships while maintaining open channels for additional international support if required.
The intensive search and rescue operations continue around the clock, with multiple agencies working in concert to locate the missing motorbanca and its passengers. The relief of the Coast Guard personnel represents both an accountability measure and a restructuring effort to ensure the investigation proceeds without potential conflicts of interest.
