BFAR mobilizes patrol vessels to help in search and retrieval ops in Mindanao

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) has mobilized its vessels and personnel to assist in the search and retrieval operations following the recent maritime tragedies in Mindanao. 

DA-BFAR said it deployed its MCS Patrol Vessel 3004 last February 22 to help retrieve bodies from the sunken ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 near Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan. 

“During the search and retrieval operations for MV Trisha Kerstin 3 on February 22, 2026, the DA-BFAR deployed MCS Patrol Vessel 3004, commanded by LT Jose Jomar V Oyardo III, PCG as a response to a call from the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM) to transport a recovered body approximately 2.3 nautical miles east-by-north of Baluk-Baluk Island to Zamboanga City,” said DA-BFAR in a statement. 

Meanwhile, DA-BFAR’s MCS Patrol Vessel 3010 was also deployed last January 19-27, and January 30-February 3 for the search and retrieval operations after a maritime incident involving a motor banca in the waters off Balut Island and Western Sarangani. 

“Over the course of several days, the vessel conducted extensive patrols and search activities, successfully recovering one body on January 25, 2026 at 43.06 nautical miles southwest of Buca Point, Maasim, Sarangani, and recovered a life ring bearing the name Amejara believed to be associated with the vessel on January 26, 2026 at 36.28 nautical miles southwest of Maculi Point, Sarangani, while coordinating closely with other Philippine Coast Guard units to ensure the operation remained continuous and effective,” the the DA-BFAR said. 

DA-BFAR is also working closely with the Philippine Coast Guard, local government units, and other agencies during maritime emergency response. —Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News