The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed the recovery of four bodies and the sighting of one other believed to be among the missing passengers and crew of the ill-fated MBCA Amejara. The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) reported that the four bodies were recovered by the Salazar fishing fleet, owned by a member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), and were turned over to the Philippine Navy Vessel PS 37 (BRP ARTEMIO RICARTE) for transport. Commodore Philip Soria, CGDSEM Commander, stated that the bodies were found floating off Sarangani, Davao Occidental, by volunteer rescuers and reported at 8:59 a.m. A fixed-wing aircraft Islander 251 conducting an aerial search also spotted another floating body alongside white debris and orange-colored objects, with retrieval efforts ongoing based on weather and sea conditions. The recovered bodies will be transported to Balut Island, Davao Occidental, before being airlifted to Davao City. Capt. Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesperson, confirmed that the identities of the cadavers are still being verified. Soria emphasized that search and rescue operations will continue for the remaining missing individuals. The MBCA Amejara departed Santa Ana Wharf in Davao City at 8:00 p.m. on January 17 with 15 people bound for Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, but was reported missing on January 19 after encountering rough seas in Davao Gulf. Crew member Christopher Bulig was rescued on January 20 after nearly two days adrift between Sarangani town and Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.
