DAVAO CITY — Ten minors were safely rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) after becoming stranded on offshore tripods in the coastal waters off San Antonio, Barangay Leon Garcia, Davao City, in the early hours of Sunday, July 5, 2026.
According to the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), the rescue operation was carried out by the Coast Guard Station (CGS) Davao through the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Sta. Ana, in coordination with the Special Operations Group–Southeastern Mindanao (SOG-SEM).
The minors reportedly swam farther into the sea in an attempt to evade pursuing Barangay Tanods after they were allegedly caught using inhalants, locally known as “rugby.”
The group eventually became stranded on offshore tripods—steel structures situated in the coastal waters—prompting authorities to seek immediate assistance from the Philippine Coast Guard.
Upon receiving the distress request, CGSS Sta. Ana swiftly deployed a Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB) along with Coast Guard rescue personnel to the area. The responders successfully reached the stranded minors and safely transported all ten back to shore.
Authorities confirmed that none of the rescued minors sustained injuries during the incident, and no casualties were reported throughout the operation.
Following the successful rescue, the minors were turned over to the Sta. Ana Police Station for proper documentation, assessment, and disposition in accordance with existing child protection and juvenile welfare procedures.
The Coast Guard commended the prompt coordination among responding agencies, which ensured the safe recovery of the children before the situation could escalate into a maritime tragedy.
The incident also underscores the dangers of substance abuse among minors and the life-threatening risks associated with fleeing into hazardous marine environments. Authorities are expected to coordinate with the children’s parents or guardians and the appropriate social welfare offices to ensure the minors receive the necessary intervention and support.
The Philippine Coast Guard reiterated its commitment to protecting lives at sea and urged the public, especially parents and community leaders, to remain vigilant in preventing incidents that place children in dangerous situations.