Coast Guard Intensifies Search for Missing Motorbanca After Unauthorized Voyage
The Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has dramatically expanded search and rescue operations for the missing motorbanca MBCA Amejara, which capsized in rough seas with only one survivor rescued from thirteen confirmed passengers. As of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, twelve individuals remain missing following the vessel's unauthorized departure from Davao City.
Illegal Departure Under Investigation
Authorities confirmed that MBCA Amejara had no Coast Guard clearance and was not permitted to sail by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina)-Davao Region. Despite these restrictions, the vessel proceeded with its voyage from Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City at approximately 8 a.m. on January 17, bound for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental.
CGDSEM spokesperson Captain Noemie Guirao-Cayabyab emphasized that the investigation now focuses on how the vessel managed to leave port without authorization. "We are checking the details of this motorboat's departure," she stated during a national interview, highlighting serious regulatory breaches.
Survivor Details Amihan-Induced Capsizing
The sole survivor, crew member Christopher Bulig, was rescued at 10:46 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20, in waters stretching from Barangay Laker, Sarangani, to Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental. According to his account, the motorbanca encountered violent winds and towering waves caused by the ongoing northeast monsoon or Amihan surge, ultimately capsizing in Davao Gulf.
"Accordingly, they experienced strong winds and big waves that caused their motorboat to capsize," Guirao-Cayabyab relayed, noting that some passengers initially held onto debris. She stressed that Amihan surges can rapidly turn coastal waters dangerous even without typhoon conditions, particularly for small wooden vessels like MBCA Amejara.
Expanded Search Area and Challenging Conditions
Worsening sea conditions have forced authorities to widen the search zone significantly. The operation now covers:
- Davao Gulf
- Davao Oriental facing the Pacific Ocean
- Davao Occidental near the Indonesian maritime border
- Sarangani area where the survivor was found
"We have a wide search area," Guirao-Cayabyab explained in a radio interview. "That's why we will be utilizing all our resources including aircraft and floating assets." The Coast Guard has deployed several vessels and an aircraft to scour these maritime zones, though no debris from the motorbanca has been recovered despite continuous surveillance.
Passenger Verification and Notable Missing Individuals
The official passenger count remains under verification, with initial reports listing fifteen individuals before being revised to thirteen. Among those identified is Davao City lawyer Anton Banzali, whose absence has prompted the Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Davao City Chapter to issue a call for prayer and solidarity.
Authorities emphasize that drifting currents caused by the Amihan monsoon may have scattered passengers across multiple provinces, complicating rescue efforts. "There will be a possibility," Guirao-Cayabyab noted regarding separation by currents. "We consider drifting zones in our search pattern."
Multi-Agency Response and Safety Reminders
Search operations continue as a coordinated effort involving:
- Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao
- Philippine Navy
- Office of Civil Defense
- Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
- Local disaster units across affected areas
CGDSEM has urged fisherfolk and vessel operators in coastal communities to immediately report any sightings of debris or survivors. The Coast Guard reiterated that vessel operators bear primary responsibility for maritime safety, particularly regarding sea-worthiness assessments and proper departure declarations.
Operations remain ongoing as teams work tirelessly to locate the missing passengers and ensure comprehensive maritime safety in the region.
