Jauhn Etienne Villaruel

Article (news)

Hernel Tocmo

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17714710203071769567137668617869600_1402583118583607_7690510341337753155_n_cropped_processed_by_imagy.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Five cadavers and debris from the sunken MBCA Amejara are recovered by the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and the Philippine Coast Guard. Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao</span></span></span></div><div><br/></div><div></div><p>DAVAO CITY — The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) officially announced on Wednesday the termination of search and rescue (SAR) and retrieval operations for the ill-fated MBCA Amejara, which was reported missing on January 19.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/25/4-bodies-recovered-after-motorbanca-capsized-in-sarangani-4-still-missing-from-m-v-devon-bay-navy-1226"> Search operations continue for passengers and crew of MBCA Amejara</a></div><p>CGDSEM said it led, sustained, and coordinated search efforts consisting of 15 days of intensified search and rescue operations, followed by 15 days of extended search and retrieval missions. </p><p>The search area expanded to waters off Basilan and into parts of Indonesia.</p><p>Nine individuals remain missing, while six people were recovered dead and one was rescued alive from the motorbanca, which encountered rough seas on January 18 while en route from Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, a route that was not covered by the vessel’s franchise.</p><p>Authorities also discovered that the boat had sailed for recreational fishing without securing the required permit from government agencies.</p><p>Following the recovery of the six bodies, CGDSEM said search operations yielded several breakthroughs, including the recovery of boat parts, a life ring, and life jackets. However, no further discoveries were made in recent days.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>&#x27;DEEPEST SYMPATHIES&#x27;</strong></div><div><br/></div><p>“Following comprehensive assessment and upon completion of all planned and extended search efforts, CGDSEM officially concluded active operations on February 18,” the Coast Guard said.</p><p>The agency expressed its sincere appreciation to all participating agencies, personnel, volunteers, and stakeholders who assisted in the search efforts.</p><p>“To the families and loved ones of those who remain missing, CGDSEM conveys its deepest sympathies and unwavering solidarity. We acknowledge the profound pain and uncertainty brought by this tragedy. Every available resource and measure was undertaken with diligence, compassion, and respect for your loved ones,” CGDSEM said.</p><div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/1/28/4-of-6-cadavers-from-sunken-mbca-amejara-identified-1051">4 of 6 cadavers from sunken MBCA Amejara identified; search continues for 9 missing</a></div><p>The Philippine Coast Guard reiterated its call on all vessel operators and members of the maritime community to prioritize safety at sea by strictly adhering to maritime laws and safety regulations, complying with voyage planning procedures, and closely monitoring weather advisories issued by competent authorities.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO </strong></div><div><br/><span class="fr-video fr-deletable fr-fvc fr-dvb fr-draggable" contenteditable="false" draggable="true"><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3durUFbEcxA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable"></iframe></span><br/></div>

<p>Nine individuals remain missing, while six people were recovered dead and one was rescued alive from the motorbanca.</p>

Nine individuals remain missing, while six people were recovered dead and one was rescued alive from the motorbanca.

Search, retrieval ops for MBCA Amejara ends as 9 remain missing

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Search, retrieval ops for MBCA Amejara ends as 9 remain missing

Hernel Tocmo

Published February 19, 2026 11:18 AM PHT

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search operations

retrieval

missing

motorbanca

deaths

Davao

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