Fifth Victim Recovered from Sunken Motorbanca in Davao Occidental Waters
On Sunday morning, January 25, 2026, Philippine Navy Ship PS37 transported another body believed to be among the passengers of the ill-fated MBCA Amejara to Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao Occidental. This latest recovery brings the total number of bodies retrieved to five, with four of them having been transported earlier to Davao City for forensic examination and identification procedures.
Maritime Tragedy Timeline
The MBCA Amejara met its tragic fate on Monday, January 19, 2026, while on what was supposed to be a routine fishing trip from Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. The vessel encountered severe weather conditions with strong winds and large waves that caused it to capsize in the Davao Gulf. Initial reports indicated fifteen people were onboard at the time of the incident.
One passenger, identified as Christopher Bulig, was rescued alive on Tuesday, January 20, marking the only survivor found so far. The remaining passengers were reported missing, triggering an extensive maritime search operation involving multiple government agencies.
Search Operations and Recovery Details
Authorities confirmed that all five bodies were recovered on Saturday, January 24, 2026, following reports from local fishermen who spotted floating remains near an artificial reef in waters off Balut Island. The Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao reported that four bodies were initially sighted by the Salazar fishing fleet, owned by a member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Commodore Philipps Soria, CGDSEM Commander, explained the recovery process: "The four bodies reported earlier this morning were within Sector 3 of the search-and-rescue area. After retrieval by our Philippine Navy vessel, they were brought to Balut Island for transport to Davao."
The fifth body was later spotted by a fixed-wing surveillance aircraft, Islander 251, participating in aerial search operations. The remains were found beside white debris and orange floating objects believed to be related to victims' personal belongings or safety equipment.
Location Within Philippine Maritime Jurisdiction
Authorities emphasized that all recovered bodies were found within the Philippines' Exclusive Economic Zone in Southeastern Mindanao waters, specifically within a pre-determined search-and-rescue quadrant. The remains were located approximately 70 to 75 nautical miles offshore, approaching but not crossing the boundary of the country's economic zone near Indonesia.
Ednar Dayanghirang, Regional Director of the Office of Civil Defense-Davao Region, clarified the location significance: "All recovered bodies were exactly within the quadrant planned by the Philippine Coast Guard. None drifted to Indonesia or elsewhere—they remained within our estimated quadrant."
The search operation was divided into four maritime sectors covering the Davao Gulf, Sarangani Bay, and parts of the Celebes Sea. Bodies were recovered from Sectors 2 and 3, areas authorities identified early as high-probability zones based on drift analysis that accounted for sea currents, wind direction, and movement patterns.
Legal Framework and Search Parameters
Officials explained that while the recovery location lies beyond the Philippines' 12-nautical-mile territorial sea, it remains well within the country's 200-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone where the Philippines holds sovereign rights over marine resources and conducts maritime safety operations. The Celebes Sea, where portions of the search took place, lies south of Mindanao and stretches toward Indonesia.
Despite the area's geopolitical sensitivity due to proximity to international maritime boundaries, authorities emphasized that search-and-rescue operations are legally permitted under international conventions, even near EEZ boundaries, provided proper coordination is observed.
Ongoing Search Efforts
Despite recovering five bodies, authorities have not officially shifted from search-and-rescue to search-and-retrieval mode, maintaining hope that additional survivors could still be found. Surface vessels and aerial assets from the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force remain deployed in the area.
Dayanghirang noted that all recovered bodies are undergoing proper identification procedures with assistance from the National Bureau of Investigation and health authorities. The remains are expected to be airlifted to Davao City for forensic examination before eventual release to families.
The Philippine Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to exhausting all possible efforts to locate the remaining missing passengers and assured the public that verified updates will be released promptly as the operation continues.
