Southeastern Mindanao — The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), through Coast Guard Sub-Station Mavéas (CGSS Mavéas), has successfully facilitated the repatriation of a passenger of the distressed motorbanca MBCA Quessel-J, who was earlier rescued after drifting at sea and found in the waters between Kamboling and Kawio Islands in Indonesia.
The operation underscores a coordinated cross-border humanitarian effort involving Philippine and Indonesian authorities, as well as multiple national and local government agencies, in ensuring the survivor’s safe return to Philippine territory.
According to CGDSEM, the repatriation was carried out through close coordination with the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Sarangani, the Inter-Agency Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, and Indonesian counterparts, which enabled the smooth facilitation of maritime coordination and necessary border-crossing procedures.
The operation also drew support from key government agencies including the Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, Office of Civil Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Bureau of Immigration. The BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37) likewise played a critical role by providing maritime security and escort during the transfer operation.
Officials emphasized that the successful repatriation highlights the importance of inter-agency cooperation in responding to maritime emergencies, particularly in remote and international waters where coordination is crucial to saving lives.
While one survivor has been safely brought home, authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations remain ongoing for four other missing passengers of MBCA Quessel-J. Teams continue to conduct maritime and coordinated efforts in both Philippine and nearby Indonesian waters in hopes of locating the missing individuals.
CGDSEM reiterated its commitment to its mandate of safeguarding lives at sea, strengthening regional cooperation, and delivering timely humanitarian assistance to Filipinos in distress, especially in maritime incidents involving cross-border challenges.