DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/16 February) – There have been no breakthroughs in locating the remains of the nine missing passengers and crew members of M/Bca Amejara nearly two weeks after the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) transitioned to search and retrieval operations. Lieutenant Junior Grade Melanie S. Benitez, CGDSEM spokesperson, stated on Monday that no debris or remains have been recovered since the shift from rescue to retrieval. As of February 16, Coast Guard personnel continue their efforts to locate the missing individuals and wreckage debris, with operations ongoing until formally terminated. Of the 12 passengers and four crew members, six bodies have been recovered, and one survivor has been found, leaving nine still missing. Benitez declined to provide updates on the investigation into the sinking, citing the need for prior approval from the Philippine Coast Guard higher headquarters. Commodore Philipps Soria, CGDSEM commander, announced on February 3 that operations had shifted to retrieval after determining the likelihood of finding survivors was no longer feasible. The recreational boat sank on January 18 after encountering rough seas in Davao Gulf during a fishing venture that began on January 17. Two investigative teams were formed: a Marine Casualty Investigation team focusing on safety recommendations and an Incident Investigation Team assessing administrative and criminal liability. Passengers included Porferio Lanorias, Jr., John Julius Alcazar, Steven Ang Tan, Hector Emberga, Earlan Uyking, Anthony Banzali, Mark Levi Apayo Lao, Herwin Tan, Ace Cortez, Reymark Napuli, Ranil Florino, and Rogelio Gomez. Crew members were Patrocinio F. Genita III (boat captain), Homer Bordado Bolasa, Christian Genita II, and Christopher Tecson Bulig, the lone survivor. (Antonio L. Colina IV/MindaNews)
