Davao city: The Philippine Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) announced Thursday that the commander of the Coast Guard Sta. Ana Substation and seven others have been relieved following the disappearance of the MBCA Amejara, an outrigger boat, off the waters of Davao Oriental province. During a press briefing, CGDSEM deputy commander Macy Gabion said the relieved personnel will be reassigned to the district headquarters while an investigation is ongoing.
According to Philippines News Agency, the recreational motor banca MBCA Amejara was reported missing on January 19 after departing Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City bound for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental with 15 people on board. A day later, survivor Christopher Bulig, a crew member of the boat, was rescued by Coast Guard personnel.
"As of today, the investigation is ongoing and the Philippine Coast Guard, particularly CGDSEM, will not preempt the results. Our focus remains on search and rescue operations, as time is critical," Gabion said. She added that details about the vessel and its intended destination are still being verified. "At present, there is no information yet to divulge to the media and the public because the investigation is still underway," Gablon said.
Now on its fourth day, search and rescue operations continue with the Police Regional Office-Davao (PRO-11) reaffirming its full support and coordination with the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Coast Guard, and local disaster response agencies. In a statement, PRO-11 regional director Brig Gen. Leon Victor Rosete assured that all concerned agencies are exhausting all possible means to locate and rescue the missing passengers and crew. "PRO-11 assures the public that all agencies involved are firm in their resolve to safeguard lives and uphold public safety," Rosete said.
