Authorities have expanded search operations to the waters off Sultan Kudarat to locate the nine remaining passengers of the motorbanca Amejara 10 days after the vessel was reported missing in the Davao Gulf.

Nine passengers who were on board the boat remain unaccounted for.

Authorities continue to deploy air and sea assets as search and rescue operations continue.

According to the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), maritime patrols and search operations are now focused on the newly identified Search Sector 5 by the Office of Civil Defense-Davao (OCD-11).

The BRP Tagbanua continues to conduct intensive search operations, with the search expanded from Sarangani Bay in Sarangani Province to approximately 72 nautical miles southwest of Palimbang Point in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Fishermen discovered debris believed to be from the missing boat in the waters off Kiamba, Saranganii Province on Monday, January 26, 2026, including a life vest bearing the name MBCA Amejara and what is believed to be a cabin door cover.

OCD-11 said that of the six bodies recovered, four were cremated after being identified positively by their families, one was temporarily buried at the Maa Public Cemetery due to the absence of claimants, while another remains at a funeral home pending confirmation from relatives.

The Maritime Industry Authority-Davao (MARINA-11) said the boat had complete registration documents and a valid franchise.

However, MARINA explained that several factors must be considered in determining a vessel’s seaworthiness, including whether it traveled along its approved route.

“The Amejara was authorized for a particular route. Ang iyahang ruta is Sta.Ana (Wharf, Davao City) – IGACOS,” MARINA-11 OIC Director, Virvic Paul Erese, said.

It can be recalled that Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao’s (CGDSEM) record showed that the boat left Sta. Ana Wharf around 8 a.m. on January 17, and was heading to Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental when it was reported missing on January 19.