SULU — Authorities have recovered two bodies during a joint search and retrieval operation on Sunday, August 24, following a sea fire that left three people missing off the coast of Tapul, Sulu.
The operation, conducted around 9:00 a.m. near the waters of Sulari, Parang, was led by personnel of the Sulu Maritime Police Station (MARPSTA) and the Regional Maritime Unit – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (RMU-BAR), in coordination with the Sulu Police Provincial Office (PPO), Tapul Municipal Police Station (MPS), the Philippine Coast Guard in Maimbung, and the Sulu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
The sea blaze occurred on August 23 in the waters surrounding Kabingaan Island, Tapul, resulting in five survivors and three reported missing. Survivors Muktar Acosta Mohammad and Oscar Arpa recounted that three of their companions disappeared after the fire engulfed their vessel.
Recovered during the search were the remains of John Mohammad and Gerald Mohammad, who were immediately turned over to their families for burial in accordance with Muslim customs.
However, the body of Esmail, the third missing individual, remains unaccounted for after being swept away by strong waves amid rough sea conditions.
Authorities said the survivors are still receiving medical treatment. Muktar is confined at the Maimbung District Hospital, while Oscar was transferred to the Sulu Provincial Hospital for further care.
Search and recovery efforts for the last missing victim are still ongoing as agencies continue to coordinate in the aftermath of the tragedy.