Bongao:Tawi-Tawi The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully rescued 37 individuals aboard a distressed wooden-hulled vessel off the coast of Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi, on Monday afternoon.
According to Philippines News Agency, the Coast Guard Station (CGS)-Central Tawi-Tawi reported that personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS)-Panglima Sugala acted swiftly after receiving a distress call from M/L Alim, which required immediate assistance.
The CGSS-Panglima Sugala team reached the vessel and assisted the 37 individuals on board, including 10 crew members. An investigation revealed that M/L Alim encountered engine trouble while traveling from Tandubas to Bongao, the capital town of Tawi-Tawi, located approximately 39 miles apart. The vessel was towed to the Port of Bongao, arriving safely with all passengers on board by early Monday evening.
The PCG emphasized the importance of safety for vessel operators, crew, and passengers, advising them to ensure the seaworthiness of vessels, conduct engine inspections, and adhere to regulations before setting sail. In addition, the PCG is enhancing vessel inspections nationwide as part of increased maritime safety efforts for the Undas 2026 observance. The agency plans to deploy 17,000 personnel across the country in anticipation of 1.5 to 2 million sea travelers between October 29 and November 3.
