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MBCA amejara

‘Criminal negligence’ cited as Coast Guard ends month-long search for missing MBCA Amejara

by Rhoda Grace Saron February 18, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

FOLLOWING a month-long search that rescued only one survivor, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) officially terminated all search, rescue, and retrieval operations for the missing MBCA Amejara on February 18, 2026.

The termination follows 15 days of intensified search and rescue (SAR) and an additional 15 days of extended retrieval efforts.

CGDSEM commander Commodore Philipps Soria revealed that the Maritime Casualty Investigation (MCI) has recommended filing multiple homicide charges against the vessel’s owner and captain, citing a series of fatal safety violations and “fraudulent” documentation.

Investigative findings: a chain of failures

The investigation identified five primary factors that led to the vessel’s disappearance after it was reported missing on January 19, 2026:

Unauthorized and Illegal Departure : The vessel departed from Sta. Ana Wharf without PCG clearance. Coast Guard personnel and Sta. Ana had explicitly denied their departure and advised them to obtain a special permit from MARINA, which the crew ignored.
Unverified Structural Modifications : Statements from survivor Mr. Bulig revealed the boat underwent “structural appraisal,” including the construction of an upper deck equipped with heavy electrical appliances. These modifications increased the vessel’s vertical height, adversely affecting its center of gravity and stability.
Overloading and Poor Weight Distribution : Substantial additional fuel, scuba tanks, fishing equipment, and alcoholic beverages were loaded prior to departure, further compromising the vessel’s balance.
Alcohol Consumption : The surviving crew member stated that all passengers, and some crew members, consumed alcoholic beverages during the voyage.
Adverse Sea Conditions : The Amejara encountered severe waves near Cape San Agustin. While attempting to maneuver a reverse course to return to port, the vessel lost stability and was subsequently lost.

The investigation found that the owner, Ace Ryan Cortez, and Captain Patrocinio Genita committed fraud on their Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure (MDSD).

While they represented their voyage as bound for Governor Generoso, their intended destination was “Passig de Byuda,” a location beyond Philippine territorial waters.

“The decision made by the captain and the owner to navigate while carrying the lives of their passengers constitutes a series of violations of safety regulations,” Soria stated, noting the voyage was planned three days in advance.

Recommended criminal and administrative charges

The CGDSEM has recommended the filing of criminal and civil liability for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide against both owner Ace Ryan Cortez and Captain Patrocinio Genita, issuance of enforcement inspection apprehension reports for leaving port without PCG clearance, failure to accomplish the MDSD correctly, and disregarding MARINA’s special permit requirements.

Despite the termination of active operations, CGDSEM assured the public that any verified information or recovered materials related to MBCA Amejara will continue to be evaluated for further action.

February 18, 2026 0 comments

News

Lawmaker pushes for stricter maritime safety measures

by Contributor February 5, 2026

written by Contributor

BY DWIGHT S. GUMAHIN/DNSC INTERN

THE CITY Council approved in first reading a proposed measure imposing a more stringent requirement for boat operators before granting them a business permit.

Proponent Councilor Ralph Abella introduced the Maritime Passenger Safety Compliance Ordinance of Davao City during the 5th regular session, aiming to tighten the mandatory documentary requirements, including documents issued by the Maritime Industry Authority and the Philippine Coast Guard.

In his privilege speech, he underlined the responsibility of boat operators over the safety of their passengers, particularly after the recent MBCA Amejara tragedy.

“If our constituents will board a passenger boat, it’s natural that they trust the vessel has complete permits and the crew are also licensed and authorized,” Abella stated.

On the other hand, the councilor recognized the city government’s lack of monitoring and verification systems to verify the official documents that boat operators must comply with before granting them permits to operate.

“We don’t have a clear checklist on what constitutes maritime documents that we ask from them before giving boat operators a business permit,” Abella said.

Meanwhile, Councilor Josie Marie Bernardo Baluran, head of the transportation and communication committee, backed the ordinance, stressing that every passenger boat should be equipped with life-saving gear.

“Those vessels, boats, or ships should be equipped with safety vests and other life-saving equipment,” he said.

Stipulated in section 8, the proposed ordinance will penalize those who fail to comply with the requirements, such as a P5,000 fine and the suspension of the business permit.

February 5, 2026 0 comments

News

Search for MBCA Amejara victims reaches Indonesia; Coast Guard details 11-day operation

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 30, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE SEARCH for the remaining passengers of the capsized MBCA Amejara has extended into Indonesian waters following potential leads, authorities confirmed Friday.

Commodore Philipps Soria, commander of Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), announced during a press briefing at the Sasa Headquarters that the Indonesian Maritime Agency has sighted objects—possibly debris or bodies—linked to the vessel.

“We received an unconfirmed report that two items were recovered by the Indonesians. We are currently verifying if these are bodies or floating objects,” Soria stated.

The Timeline

During the briefing, Soria provided a detailed 11-day timeline of the search and rescue (SAR) operations:

January 19 (Day 1): The incident was reported at 11:30 AM after the wife of a passenger grew concerned. By 2:27 PM, assets from Davao Oriental and Occidental were deployed to the waters between Don Marcelino and Sta. Maria.

January 20 (Day 2): Rescuers recovered one survivor, Christopher Bulig , at 10:46 AM His testimony allowed the PCG to adjust the search area toward Sarangani.

January 21–23 (Days 3–5): Operations yielded no recoveries.

January 24 (Day 6): A major breakthrough occurred when the Philippine Navy (PS 37 and LC 296) recovered five bodies .

January 25 (Day 7): A sixth body was recovered at 1:04 PM along the coast of Maasim, Sarangani.

January 26 (Day 8): Search teams found a life ring with “Amejara” markings in Maitum, Sarangani.

January 28 (Day 10): A Coast Guard vessel recovered a life jacket marked with the vessel’s name.

January 29 (Day 11): Two more life jackets and a door believed to be from the Amejara were found in Kiamba, Sarangani.

Crossing borders

Soria noted that the search has shifted significantly westward, reaching the maritime borders of Zamboanga and Basilan.

Early Friday morning, a Philippine Navy aircraft began an aerial sweep after the Indonesian government granted clearance for the Philippine Air Force and Navy to enter Sectors 1 and 2 of the Indonesian Area of Responsibility .

“We have flight clearance for overflight search and rescue operations until tomorrow. Our Navy aircraft continues to search for the missing passengers,” Soria said.

Photo courtesy of Coast Guard-SEM

January 30, 2026 0 comments

News

CGDSEM forms dual probe teams for MBCA Amejara capsizing

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 30, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

THE COAST Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has officially formed two separate investigating bodies to probe the sinking of MBCA Amejara, focusing on both safety protocols and potential criminal liabilities.

CGDSEM commander Commodore Philipps Soria revealed on Friday that the orders were signed as early as Jan. 20, 2026, to ensure a comprehensive look at the maritime tragedy.

The investigation is divided into two specialized teams to ensure all legal and safety bases are covered:

Marine Casualty Investigation (MCI) Team: A five-member panel focused on “liability attribution” and safety recommendations. Their goal is to determine the actual causes of the accident to prevent future occurrences.
Incident Investigation Team (IIT): A seven-member team, including legal experts and specialized units. This group is tasked with determining the administrative and criminal liability of the vessel’s owner, operator, and crew.

“Our two teams are ongoing in their investigation… hopefully, after we have terminated our search and rescue operations, we will be able to release the results,” Soria said, noting that he expects a report within one week after the SAR operations conclude.

The investigation focuses on why the vessel was outside its authorized jurisdiction.

Investigations confirmed that MBCA Amejara is registered only as a daytime passenger motorbanca for tourism, with a franchise limited to routes between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) .

The vessel reportedly capsized in a location far outside this designated zone and during evening hours. “The franchise given by MARINA to Amejara is from Davao to Samal,” Soria clarified. “We are investigating why the vessel went [where it did] when it is not included in the franchise.”

8 personnel relieved

The investigation already resulted in the relief of eight Coast Guard personnel.

Soria disclosed that while the crew of the MBCA Amejara sought permission to sail, Coast Guard officers refused to sign the permits due to “inconsistencies in their route” and other documentary deficiencies.

Despite the lack of an official signature and clearance, the vessel was still able to depart the port.

“If you have not been given permission by the Coast Guard, you are not allowed [to sail],” Soria emphasized. “The investigation will determine what happened and why they were allowed to leave when our personnel had already seen deficiencies in their documents.”

January 30, 2026 0 comments

News

New search sector identified after life ring from missing vessel found near Maitum

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 27, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

DESPITE the recovery of six bodies in recent days, authorities remain hopeful as the search for missing passengers of the motorbanca (MBCA) Amejara enters its ninth day.

Commodore Philipps Soria, commander of the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), told TIMES on Tuesday afternoon, Jan. 27, that the mission remains a search and rescue (SAR) operation rather than a retrieval effort.

The decision follows a significant breakthrough on Monday, Jan. 26, when teams discovered a life ring marked “AMEJARA” in a new search area.

“Although there have been signs of survivors or bodies recovered, we found a life ring yesterday with the marking ‘AMEJARA.’ We will continue with SAR efforts and have not yet shifted to recovery or termination,” the Commodore added.

The lifebuoy was spotted in what search teams are now calling “Sector 5,” located near Maitum.

When asked if the indicator suggested survivors might have reached land rather than remaining at sea, Soria remained cautious.

“We cannot be certain, which is why we are concentrating our SAR efforts in Sector 5,” he added, noting that the team remains hopeful of finding survivors.

When asked if the search area would be extended if nothing is found today, Commodore Soria said: “Hopefully [we will find something]. We are waiting for tomorrow’s generated SAROPS [Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System] for the [new] SAR area.”

“We will likely get that tonight after we consider all parameters,” he added.

Naval and air assets deployed

The Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM) is currently pivoting its operations based on the latest findings.

While five cadavers have been recovered so far—four found 63 nautical miles southwest of Balut Island and one near Kiamba, Sarangani—the search has now shifted to a sector 84 nautical miles southwest of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

This new search zone was designated by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI.

NFEM, in coordination with the Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOW-EM) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), continues to deploy both naval vessels and air assets to the region.

January 27, 2026 0 comments

News

Victims identified

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 26, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

Experts continue to examine two recovered bodies from capsized vessel

(UPDATED)

THE NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation XI forensic team successfully identified four of the six bodies recovered from the sunken vessel MCBA Amejara, as search and identification efforts continue for the remaining victims.

Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI regional director Ednar Dayanghirang told TIMES on Monday evening, “4 out of 6 [bodies] identified,” when asked about the progress that has been made in identifying the remains recovered from the maritime incident.

While the identification has been processed through forensic examination, Dayanghirang noted that a formal turnover of the remains is pending further verification.

“We are currently waiting for the victim’s sibling to arrive for final confirmation,” Dayanghirang said, referring to the first body identified.

He explained that while the victim’s live-in partner has already come forward, official protocols require a blood relative for the final turnover process.

The identification process remains a high priority for the government as more remains are brought to the city.

Dayanghirang confirmed that a sixth body was recently recovered near Buca Point in Maasim, Sarangani Province.

That body has been transported to a funeral parlor in Davao City and is slated for Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sampling.

According to the report, DNA analysis is being utilized as the primary tool for identifying the remaining recovered bodies to ensure accuracy before they are released to their respective families.

The sinking of the MCBA Amejara has triggered an intensive multi-agency response, with the OCD, NBI, and local coast guard units working to resolve the status of the remaining missing individuals.

As of this writing no new update yet from the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao on the 8th day of their continued search and rescue operations.

January 26, 2026 0 comments

News

Survivor gets psychosocial, medical care at Camp Panacan

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 25, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

MILITARY doctors are currently treating the survivor of the MBCA Amejara sea mishap after he was rescued from the waters of Davao Occidental and airlifted to a military hospital for emergency care.

Christopher Bulig, a crew member of the ill-fated vessel, was rescued on Jan. 21 off the coast of Jose Abad Santos. Following his rescue, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) immediately transported Bulig via military aircraft to the Camp Panacan Station Hospital in Davao City.

Medical personnel confirmed that Bulig was treated for severe dehydration and is currently undergoing psychosocial support to manage the emotional trauma of the ordeal.

“From the moment we received confirmation of the incident, EastMinCom mobilized forces to provide the necessary medical and psychosocial support to the survivor,” said Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, EastMinCom commander. “The safety and well-being of every Filipino remains our highest priority.”

The MBCA Amejara lost contact while transiting the Davao Gulf on Jan. 19. Since then, EastMinCom has deployed naval and air assets in a grueling search hampered by challenging sea and weather conditions.

EastMinCom is currently coordinating with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) for Bulig’s long-term care. Once medically cleared, he will be turned over to his local government unit.

Meanwhile, search and rescue operations remain “ongoing and adaptive” for the remaining passengers, with EastMinCom, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and local disaster units widening the search area southwest of the Davao Gulf.

January 25, 2026 0 comments

News

Probe underway

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 22, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

Coast Guard officer, 7 others relieved over capsized vessel

THE COMMANDER of the Coast Guard Sta. Ana Substation and seven personnel were directed to step down on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, as the investigation deepened into the sinking of the MBCA Amejara and its still missing 15 crew members and passengers.

Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) deputy commander Macy A. Gabion announced the relief orders, stating that the personnel will be reassigned to the CGDSEM headquarters in Sasa pending the results of the probe.

“This is the verbal instruction of the district commander,” Gabion said on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, at Sta. Ana Port in Davao City.

When asked about how motorbanca traveled from Sta. Ana Wharf to Governor Generoso, she replied: “This incident is strictly under investigation, and we cannot divulge specific details until the process is complete.”

She emphasized that while technical issues and passenger manifestos are critical to the inquiry, the command’s primary focus remains on the lives of the 15 individuals still missing at sea.

Regulatory scrutiny

The investigation is looking into the seaworthiness of the wooden vessel and whether it had a valid “permit to sail” given the rough sea conditions caused by Typhoon Ada.

When asked about the use of wooden boats on that route, Gabion clarified that while the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has the authority over wooden vessels, certifications are issued based on size and the ability to withstand currents.

“MARINA inspects the boat and determines passenger capacity and routes before issuing a certificate of public convenience,” Gabion said. “The Coast Guard’s role is to conduct a pre-departure inspection, but the master of the vessel is ultimately responsible for declaring the safe departure and seaworthiness of the craft.”

The PCG has vowed to make the results of the investigation public once concluded.

Search operations

The hunt for the 15 missing passengers has entered its fourth day, but authorities remain hopeful after deploying their floating and aerial assets from the CGDSEM, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Eastern Mindanao Command, and the Philippine Air Force.

Gabion noted that the lone survivor, Christopher Bulig, was located approximately 11 nautical miles from Sarangani Island.

To optimize the search, the PCG is utilizing the Search and Rescue Optimal Planning System (SAROPS).

“We use this system to determine the search area based on the last known location from Jan. 19. It ensures we do not waste logistics or personnel efforts in the vast waters,” Gabion explained.

International coordination

Lt. Commander Jerome Bryan Mauring, NFEM Public Affairs Office Chief, explained that the survivor was found swimming toward the Philippine borders rather than toward Indonesia.

However, because sea currents are moving southwest toward Indonesian territory, the Philippines has formally sought international assistance. A written request for search and rescue coordination was sent to the Indonesian Consul General on Jan. 21, 2026.

January 22, 2026 0 comments

News

15 still missing

by Rhoda Grace Saron January 21, 2026

written by Rhoda Grace Saron

Survivor returns home as no signs yet for lost vessel

A MULTI-AGENCY search party continues to sweep the waters of Davao Occidental for any signs of the 15 missing passengers and the vessel MBCA/Amejara, which reportedly sank in heavy seas on Monday, Jan. 19.

One survivor was rescued and allowed to go home to his residence in Davao del Norte following a routine medical evaluation.

Identified as crew member Christopher Tecson Bulig, he was rescued at approximately 10:46 a.m. on Jan. 20 near the municipal waters of Jose Abad Santos.

In a message to TIMES on Wednesday afternoon, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Captain Noemi Cayabyab said, “Ongoing po ngayon ang aerial and surface search and rescue operation. We will provide an update once we receive development in the search area.”

In an interview with DXDC Davao, Cayabyab quoted the survivor as saying that the vessel was overwhelmed by “sudden, powerful waves.”

While Bulig managed to swim toward the coast of Barangay Laker in Sarangani, he reported seeing his companions clinging to floating debris as the boat went under.

The PCG District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has deployed both aircraft and floating assets to scan the area for the 15 remaining individuals.

However, the exact number of missing persons is currently under scrutiny.

Cayabyab noted that investigators are verifying reports that at least one individual on board was not included in the official passenger manifesto.

Furthermore, authorities are looking into whether the MBCA/Amejara possesses the necessary permits and safety documentation to operate.

The Incident Command on Watch said the search operations involved multiple floating and aerial assets actively deployed across the affected maritime areas.

Deployed SAR Assets

CGDSEM
• BRP Malamawi

CGS Davao Occidental
• Loaned Motorbanca (MBCA)
• RHIB 01

Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM)
• LC296
• PS 37

Philippine Air Force (PAF)
• S-70i Black Hawk Helicopter No. 101

Coast Guard District Southern Mindanao (CGDSM)
• BRP Panglao
• MCS 3010

Summary of assets deployed
• Total Floating Assets: 6
• Total Aircraft Deployed: 1

The PCG remains hopeful as the search drags on the second day, focusing on drift patterns toward the Sarangani and Jose Abad Santos coastlines.

January 21, 2026 0 comments