Samal Mayor Issues Urgent Warning to Avoid Boat Travel to Talikud Island
In a critical safety advisory, the mayor of the Island Garden City of Samal has strongly urged the public to temporarily refrain from boat travel to Talikud Island. This urgent call comes in response to two recent and tragic capsizing incidents in Mindanao, which have starkly highlighted the severe dangers posed by rough seas during this period.
Mayor Reyes Emphasizes Public Safety Amidst Hazardous Conditions
Mayor Lemuel “Toto” Reyes issued a clear warning to residents on Sunday, January 25, 2026, advising them to postpone all nonessential trips, particularly crossings to Talicud Island. He cited the presence of strong winds and high waves as primary reasons for the heightened risk. In a heartfelt Facebook post, Reyes emphasized, "Palihug kung walay mga importante gyud nga lakaw nga kinahanglan tabukon, avoid sa ta mutabok, labi na sa Talikud area, dagko kaayo ang balod ug delikado ang pagtabok karon. Ang kaluwasan sa tanan maoy una (If the trip is not truly necessary, please avoid crossing for now, especially in the Talikud area. The waves are very strong and conditions are dangerous. Everyone’s safety comes first)."
Reyes further reinforced that the local government remains steadfast in prioritizing public safety above all else. He called on residents to maintain vigilance and exercise extreme caution during these adverse weather conditions, underscoring the importance of community cooperation in preventing further maritime disasters.
Recent Capsizing Incidents Prompt Heightened Alert
The mayor's warning follows two devastating maritime accidents that have shaken the region. The first incident involved the motorbanca MBCA Amejara, which capsized in the Davao Gulf after going missing on January 19. Authorities reported that the vessel had departed from Santa Ana Wharf in Davao City without obtaining the required permit and subsequently encountered treacherous rough seas. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, with teams holding out hope for finding more survivors.
This motorbanca was on what should have been a routine fishing trip originating from Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, when it was overturned by powerful winds and large waves. It is believed that fifteen individuals were on board at the time of the accident. As of January 25, rescue efforts have led to the recovery of six bodies, while nine people remain unaccounted for, adding to the urgency of the situation.
Additional Maritime Tragedy Strikes in Basilan Province
In a separate and equally tragic event on Sunday, the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, a triple-decker ferry, capsized approximately five kilometers east of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan province, located off the Zamboanga Peninsula. This incident involved a significantly larger vessel, measuring 44 meters in length, with more than 350 people on board.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the aftermath of this capsizing has been devastating, with at least 18 fatalities confirmed and 24 individuals still missing. Fortunately, rescuers managed to save 317 passengers, but the incident underscores the critical need for heightened maritime safety measures across the Philippines.
These back-to-back maritime disasters serve as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable and often perilous nature of sea travel during inclement weather. Mayor Reyes's proactive warning aims to prevent further loss of life by encouraging residents to prioritize safety over convenience, ensuring that such tragedies do not recur in the waters surrounding Talikud Island and beyond.
