Tawi-Tawi — A late-night patrol of the 1st Special Operations Unit–Maritime Group (1st SOU-MG) turned into a life-saving mission after officers rescued a fisherman suffering from a venomous fish sting off the coast of Buan, Panglima Sugala, on Monday night, August 25, 2025.
At around 10:15 p.m., the team led by PLTCOL Jeseryl A. Dela Cruz aboard the S1-GB 03 gunboat spotted repeated flashes of light from a motorized banca signaling for help. Upon approaching, authorities found fisherman Guan Ing Karain with his two children, who were attempting to bring him to Bongao but were hampered by rough seas and poor visibility.
Karain was reportedly stung by a venomous fish locally known as “luppoh,” causing severe pain and swelling in his left leg. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the maritime unit immediately transferred the patient and his family to their gunboat and transported them to Bongao.
By 10:50 p.m., the group safely reached the 1st SOU headquarters, from where Karain was rushed to Datu Halun Sakilan Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment.
The successful rescue highlighted the Maritime Group’s commitment not only to safeguarding Philippine waters but also to extending humanitarian assistance to coastal communities in times of urgent need.