The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) announced on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, that after 15 days of search and rescue, authorities have shifted to search and retrieval for the missing passengers of motorbanca Amejara, which went missing in the Davao Gulf on January 19, 2026.

CGDSEM commander, Commodore Philipps Soria, said that the transition took effect on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

“The Philippine Coast Guard would like to inform that after 15 days of sustained search and rescue efforts, today is the 16th day in connection with the missing motor banca Amejara which was reported missing on 19 January 2026. The decision has been made to transition from search and rescue to search and retrieval operations effective today,” Soria said.

Authorities have, so far, found one survivor and recovered six bodies. Nine passengers, including the owner and operator of the vessel, Ace Cortez, remain missing.

CGDSEM clarified that after evaluation of all information gathered and the current operational conditions, the probability of finding more survivors is no longer feasible, prompting the agency to conclude the search and rescue phase.

The last breakthrough in the operation was the recovery of a life jacket off the coast of Sarangani Province.

The search and retrieval operation will continue until authorities determine that there are no further breakthroughs.