Zamboanga City — February 6, 2026
More than 250 passengers and crew members were safely rescued after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) mounted a swift and coordinated search and rescue (SAR) operation for the distressed motor banca MBCA Julifer in the vicinity waters of Lampinigan Island, Basilan, on Thursday, February 6.
According to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), the operation was launched after the district received an urgent phone call from a passenger reporting that MBCA Julifer had suffered engine failure while sailing from Zamboanga City to Laminusa Island in Siasi, Sulu. The mechanical breakdown left the vessel stranded at sea, placing hundreds of passengers at risk.
Upon receiving the distress call, the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Isabela immediately activated emergency response protocols and coordinated closely with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) of Basilan and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) of Isabela to conduct joint rescue operations. To strengthen the response, the PCG deployed BRP Tubbataha (MRRV-4401) to the area to assist in the evacuation and transport of passengers.
Rescue teams worked under challenging maritime conditions to ensure the orderly and safe transfer of those onboard. A total of 205 passengers were ferried aboard BRP Tubbataha and transported safely to the Zamboanga City Pier. Another 21 passengers were transferred to a patrol boat of the Philippine National Police–Maritime Group and brought to Isabela Port.
Meanwhile, 11 passengers and 16 crew members remained aboard MBCA Julifer and were later escorted safely to Isabela by responding authorities. Through the coordinated efforts of the Coast Guard and partner agencies, all 253 individuals on board were accounted for and brought to safety, with no injuries reported.
The PCG credited the successful operation to the timely reporting of the incident, rapid inter-agency coordination, and the readiness of its personnel and assets in Southwestern Mindanao. Officials emphasized that the quick response helped prevent a potentially serious maritime incident from escalating into a major disaster.
In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding lives at sea, stressing its dedication to the swift and effective conduct of search and rescue missions. The agency also urged vessel operators to ensure the seaworthiness of their boats and comply strictly with safety regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident once again highlighted the vital role of the Coast Guard and disaster response agencies in protecting passengers and maintaining maritime safety in one of the country’s busiest sea routes.