Philippine coast guard: PCG Southeastern Mindanao Commander Commodore Philipps Soria expressed optimism Friday that additional survivors may still be found in the MBCA Amejara sea incident.

According to Philippines News Agency, despite being on the 12th day of search and rescue (SAR) operations, Soria said they remain hopeful that the nine missing passengers can still be found alive. "The probability of survival is still high for us. We never give up because we continuously get breakthroughs on a daily basis," he said in a press briefing.

The MBCA Amejara was reported missing on January 19 after departing Sta. Ana Wharf in Davao City. Since then, one survivor has been rescued, and six bodies believed to be from the recreational boat have been recovered. Soria noted that there have been "miraculous events" in past maritime incidents, with survivors found after several days or even weeks. "That is why we are not losing hope that we would still be able to find them," he added.

He explained that the PCG will recommend shifting operations only when survival chances are deemed zero. Meanwhile, Soria announced that the government of Indonesia has granted overflight clearance to support SAR efforts. In a letter, the Central Maritime Zone of the Indonesia Coast Guard pledged full support in coordination with the National Search and Rescue Agency, Naval Base, and other maritime stakeholders.

The Indonesian Coast Guard also pledged to immediately relay updates and additional information to the PCG about the MBCA Amejara. "Today and tomorrow, we have approval for overflight from Indonesia," Soria said.