LANTAWAN, Basilan — Authorities have placed coastal communities on heightened alert after an abandoned motorized boat was discovered drifting off the waters of Lantawan, intensifying fears over the fate of two men reported missing in a suspected maritime hijacking incident.
The vessel, believed to have originated from Panducan Island and en route to Isabela City on Monday morning, was later found without any occupants and turned over to local authorities. Its discovery has raised alarm across nearby municipalities, prompting an urgent multi-agency response.
Missing Men, Suspected Hijacking
Families are now appealing for public assistance in locating Sattih Masala Baradjih and Darwin Muhajiran Abdulgapar, who were last seen Monday afternoon traveling by pump boat between Hadji Muhtamad and Lantawan.
According to Shernalyn Abdul, niece of Baradjih, the two had just come from Isabela City and were returning to Panducan Island when they reportedly encountered unidentified individuals at sea.
Initial accounts suggest that another pump boat intercepted them, and armed men forcibly seized their cargo — including around 80 containers of gasoline, a propeller, and other goods. Since the alleged interception, both men have not been seen, fueling concerns that they may have been victims of a hijacking.
Coastal Barangays on High Alert
In response, Lantawan Mayor Nasser Abubakar, alongside Vice Mayor Omaer Abubakar, ordered all coastal barangays to intensify monitoring efforts within their respective areas of responsibility.
Barangay officials have been instructed to conduct shoreline inspections for any signs of missing persons or possible cadavers that may have drifted into their jurisdictions.
“Assalamu alaykum. We are calling on all coastal barangays in Lantawan to actively check your areas for any possible missing persons or cadavers,” the mayor said in a statement.
“While the incident did not occur within our municipality, there is a possibility that individuals may have drifted into our waters. We ask everyone to remain alert and immediately coordinate with our line agencies for any information,” he added.
Ongoing Search and Coordination
Authorities are now coordinating with neighboring municipalities and concerned agencies to determine the circumstances surrounding both the abandoned vessel and the disappearance of the two individuals.
Search and monitoring operations have been intensified across coastal areas of Basilan, as officials work to piece together whether the drifting boat is directly linked to the missing men.
Meanwhile, the victims’ families continue to call on the public for help.
“We are asking anyone who may have seen them or has any information to please report immediately to the nearest authorities,” Abdul said.
Residents with relevant information are urged to coordinate with their barangay officials or law enforcement agencies as the search continues.
The incident underscores persistent security concerns in the region’s maritime routes, where small-scale traders and fishermen remain vulnerable to piracy and armed interception.