The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has deployed its air assets on the fifth day of the search and rescue operations for the passengers and crew members of the recreational motorbanca that went missing in the Davao Gulf.

PCG used its Fixed-Wing Islander 251, which is described as the “eye in the sky” due to its capability to scan vast areas quickly, especially open seas.

The aircraft was deployed in the hope that the 15 passengers and crew members will be found alive despite the prolonged operation after the boat capsized on January 18, 2026.

Guided by satellite-based networks, PCG conducted aerial survey across the Davao Gulf on Friday, January 23, extending toward the southern waters off Davao Occidental, based on the direction of sea currents.

PCG has already coordinated with Indonesian government as authorities consider the possibility that the missing passengers may have drifted near Indonesia waters.

Whenever suspicious objects are spotted at sea, the aircraft descends to verify whether these are related to the missing boat.

However, after nearly four hours of aerial operations, only debris, fishing boats, and sea waves were sighted.

“Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao is still on the Search and Rescue phase and we this phase will continue because the PCG is in high hopes to rescuing the passengers all 15 of them to be returned to their families safe,” Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao Deputy Commander, Macy Gabion, said.

Other government agencies have also provided air support, including the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

“With the capability ng aircraft natin kaya din po siya mag-zoom in the other meron tayong makita agad may ma-alert po na rotary aircraft ready for air evac,” PAF Tactical Operations Group-11 Deputy Group Commander, Capt. Eduard Van Macion, said.