Davao city: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) deployed a fixed-wing aircraft on Friday to intensify the fifth day of search operations for a missing motorbanca with 15 people aboard. Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) confirmed the use of its Islander 251 aircraft in the search for MBCA Amejara.
According to Philippines News Agency, the vessel was reported missing on January 19 after departing Davao City's Sta. Ana Wharf for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental. The CGDSEM highlighted that the twin-engine plane's stability, long endurance, and high-wing design make it effective for visual sea searches.
CGDSEM also warned the public against sharing unverified information after a photo of a life vest falsely linked to the incident circulated online. "The life vest in the photos and posts does not belong to MBCA Amejara, as confirmed by the vessel's owner. At this time, no debris has been found," CGDSEM added.
