MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) launched an intensified maritime search and rescue operation after an alleged stabbing incident aboard the fishing vessel FBCA JEBO 04 left one crew member injured and another reportedly missing in the waters off Pujada Island, Mati City.
According to the Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental, the incident transpired on May 28, 2026, while the fishing vessel was navigating approximately 111 nautical miles off Pujada Island en route to Mati Wharf.
Authorities said they received a distress call at around 7:30 a.m. reporting an alleged stabbing incident involving crew members onboard the vessel. A follow-up call from a concerned family member later confirmed the emergency situation.
In response, Coast Guard personnel immediately coordinated with concerned agencies to prepare for the vessel’s arrival and ensure immediate medical assistance for the injured crew member.
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), through Acting Division Manager Grace Joy A. Prias and PPO1 Emelda S. Bongo, facilitated the availability of docking space at Mati Wharf, while the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) headed by Engineer Jesusa C. Timbang dispatched ambulance support.
Simultaneously, Coast Guard sub-stations across Davao Oriental were ordered to intensify coastal monitoring and conduct search and rescue operations after reports emerged that one of the crew members allegedly jumped into the sea during the incident.
The missing fisherman was identified as Lorito Enabacan, 32 years old, single, and a resident of 1st Road, Calumpang, General Santos City.
Based on the Coast Guard’s Notice to Mariners No. 003-2026 issued on May 29, Enabacan reportedly went missing at around 8:00 p.m. on May 28 after allegedly jumping from FBCA JEBO 04 while the vessel was still at sea.
At around 1:00 p.m., personnel from Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental, together with the Mati City Police Station led by PLTCOL Frederick C. Sa-ao, conducted a joint investigation to verify the circumstances surrounding the stabbing incident and the disappearance of the missing fisherman.
At approximately 1:36 p.m., FBCA JEBO 04 safely docked at Mati Wharf where coordinated assistance was immediately rendered by the Coast Guard, Philippine National Police (PNP), PPA, and PDRRMO responders.
The injured crew member was transferred to a waiting ambulance and rushed to the nearest hospital for urgent medical treatment. Coast Guard personnel accompanied the victim to ensure continued assistance and proper coordination with medical authorities.
Authorities have yet to release the identities of the injured individual and other crew members involved as investigations remain ongoing.
The Coast Guard also appealed to all mariners, fisherfolk, and vessels traversing the waters off Davao Oriental to remain vigilant and immediately report any sightings of the missing fisherman to the nearest Coast Guard station.
As part of its continuing response, the Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental, through its Vessel Safety Enforcement Inspection Team led by CPO Jay C. Gurrea PCG, conducted a vessel safety enforcement inspection on FBCA JEBO 04 upon its arrival at Mati Wharf in Barangay Central, Mati City.
The inspection focused on assessing the vessel’s seaworthiness, compliance with maritime safety regulations, and the condition and availability of onboard operational safety equipment.
The Philippine Coast Guard emphasized that the incident underscores the importance of rapid emergency response, strict maritime safety enforcement, and strong inter-agency coordination in protecting lives at sea.
The Coast Guard Station Davao Oriental reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding coastal communities, ensuring maritime safety, and conducting continuous monitoring and rescue operations until the missing fisherman is located.