MBCA Amejara Update: Five cadavers were airlifted to Davao City, and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) forensics team collected DNA samples for identification. The bodies, recovered from Balut Island, arrived at the Tactical Operations Group in Davao City at 8:45 a.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, and were transported to St. Peter Chapels in Panacan. The NBI-Davao team arrived at 11:01 a.m. to gather DNA samples from the cadavers, which will be matched with relatives’ DNA to confirm identities. Of the 15 passengers and crew onboard the ill-fated M/Bca Amejara, one was rescued on January 20, five bodies were recovered on January 24, and nine remain missing. The cadavers were found southwest of Balut Island by fishing vessels and turned over to the Philippine Navy for transfer. An aerial search reported spotting another floating body near debris, but no family members had arrived at the funeral home by 11:30 a.m. The vessel, which departed Santa Ana Wharf in Davao City on January 17 bound for Governor Generoso, was reported missing on January 19 due to rough sea conditions. Initial investigations revealed it lacked a sailing permit from MARINA. The Coast Guard Santa Ana Substation commander and six personnel were relieved to prevent interference in the probe. Crew member Christopher Bulig was rescued on January 20 after drifting at sea for nearly two days. (Antonio L. Colina IV / MindaNews)
