Up to 158 people were rescued from capsized and distressed vessels in separate incidents in the waters off Tawi-Tawi.

In Simunul town, at least 50 people were rescued after the boat they were riding capsized due to big waves on Monday, January 19, 2026.

“Paghampas niya sa alon, yung unahan ng bangka nabutas kasi malakas ang hampas dun na nangyari ang insidente,” survivor, Mohammad Hussain Abdulwahid, said.

Video footage showed some passengers floating in the water while holding on to parcels and containers.

“Yung life vest hindi namin nakuha kasi nasa loob talaga yung bangka nabiglaan man yung nalubog yung lantsa kaya hindi nakuha yung life vest, lifebouy na lang,” Abdulwahid added.

Abdulwahid said he was able to send a text message to his friend.

“Yung last chat ko sabi ko help, lumulubog na yung bangka namin, yung na tapos yung cellphone ko tinago kona, yung na rescue kami may nakakita mga 10:53 a.m., mga one hour kami bago na-rescue,” Abdulwahid said.

Rescue teams from the Philippine Coast Guard Tawi-Tawi, Philippine Army, Marines, police, and the local government responded and rescued the passengers safely.

Meanwhile, in Taganak town, around 108 passengers of M/L Nurdia were rescued after the boat they were riding was stranded at sea on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Philippine Navy personnel rescued at least 30 passengers initially. The other 78 passengers, including a six-month old baby boy, were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard.

It was learned that the vessel had been stranded at sea for about six days after departing from Zamboanga City, reportedly due to engine trouble caused by big waves.

“Although lumulutang siya pero hindi na siya umaandar at saka wala naman butas. Although ginawan ng paraan ng mga tripulante ng bangka pero umaabot ng more than one day wala talaga nangayari,” Coast Guard Station Central Tawi-Tawi Commander, Lt. j.g. Vasit Venturillo, said.

Following the incidents, PCG said it has intensified monitoring to ensure the safety of sea travelers.

“Naglabas tayo ng notice to mariners kung saan pinag-iingat natin ang lahat ng pasahero at mahigpit na nagbilin din tayo sa ating mga substations commanders ng pre-departure inspections sa lahat ng mga vessel na lalabas na kung saan hindi sila lumagpas sa minimum capacity,” Venturillo added.