The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao confirmed the recovery of four floating bodies on Saturday as search and rescue operations continue for the missing motor banca MBCA “AMEJARA.”
In an update issued at 11:45 a.m. on Jan. 24, 2026, the Coast Guard said the bodies were found by the Salazar fishing fleet, owned by a member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary. The recovered bodies were later turned over to the Philippine Navy vessel PS 37, BRP Artemio Ricarte, for transport and transfer.
Authorities said search efforts remain active, with rescue teams continuing to deploy both surface and aerial assets in identified areas.
A fixed-wing aircraft, Islander 251, participating in the aerial search reported spotting another floating body beside white debris, along with multiple orange-colored floating objects. Coast Guard units said retrieval operations are underway, depending on prevailing weather and sea conditions.
The Coast Guard said it is coordinating with the Navy, the Air Force, law enforcement, disaster response teams, and other government partners as the search continues.
Officials stressed that efforts are ongoing to locate the remaining missing persons linked to the incident.
Rescue operations remain focused on the identified search areas, with responders monitoring conditions as they work to retrieve additional findings and expand coverage when possible.
The Philippine Coast Guard assured the public that further updates will be released as verified information becomes available.
