Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo directed today all Coast Guard Units nationwide for an aggressive campaign against unregistered motor bancas operating in the country.

Admiral Tamayo said that the continuous operations of said undocumented motor bancas pose danger to its users since most, if not all are, not compliant to existing safety regulations. Inter-island sea ferry mishaps which have led to the death of passengers and crew members were also largely attributed to undocumented unsafe motor bancas. He added that piracy and other lawless activities at sea were perpetrated using unregistered motor bancas.

In a report made by Commander Allan Dela Vega, PCG’s staff for Maritime Safety, Coast Guard inspection of alleged colorum motorbancas by the different PCG Districts, Stations and Detachments last July 2009 disclosed that a total of 2,582 motor bancas were partially recorded to be either unregistered or have expired documentations.

Maritime Violation Reports were issued to said motor banca operators/owners which were also forwarded to the appropriate MARINA Regional Offices.

Central Visayas was recorded to have the largest unregistered motor bancas of 1,593 while National Capital Region has the smallest of 11 unregistered motor bancas. Southern Tagalog has 843, Southwestern Mindanao – 131, Palawan – 126, Eastern Mindanao – 55, Western Vizayas – 55 and Bicol Region – 38.

Under existing regulations, EO No. 305 dated April 2, 2004 (Devolving to Municipal and City Governments the Registration of Fishing Vessel Three (3) GT and below) was superseded by RA 9295 (Domestic Shipping Act) and with the issuance of MARINA MC 2009-05, the function had been assumed by MARINA.

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Joint Coast Guard and Bohol Provincial Police personnel apprehended a reported illegal recruiter identified as Alexander Moncada, 48 yrs old of Taytay, Loon, Bohol and eight (8) victims aboard M/V Our Lady of Good Voyage bound from Tagbilaran to Manila on August 19, 2009 at 9:30 PM.

Reports reaching the Coast Guard Headquarters revealed that Police Senior Inspector Vener Pascual Santos PNP, Intelligence Officer of Bohol Provincial Police Office appeared to Coast Guard StationTagbilaran to coordinate for the apprehension of the suspect and the victims on August 19, 2009 at 8:10 PM. At 8:30 PM, upon verification of the passenger manifest of the said vessel, names of the alleged illegal recruiter and some of the victims appeared. Immediately,CGS Tagbilaran personnel together with P/SINSP Vener Pascual Santos PNP and his team, Kagawad Esther Piollo, Head Task Force on human trafficking of Sanguniang Panlalawigan and PO3 Melinda Basalo PNP, BPPO Women’s Desk proceeded to Tagbilaran Port Starlite Terminal and coordinated with the office of 2GO Aboitiz and made arrangement in the pre-departure scanning and identification process of passengers for possible apprehension.

The eight (8) rescued victims were identified as the following:

1. Jeremias Aleman, 34 yrs old, Sal-ing, Balilihan, Bohol
2. Jaime Amolo, 32 yrs old
3. Laura Pangan, 24 yrs old, Cantomimbo, Balilihan, Bohol
4. Marites Marano, 23 yrs old, Sagasa, Balilihan, Bohol
5. Lonica Layao, 20 yrs old, Cantomimbo, Balilihan, Bohol
6. Mary Rose Hagunos, 20 yrs old, San Roque, Balilihan, Bohol
7. Lordly Joy Gablines, 17 yrs old, Cuasi, Loon, Bohol
8. Jane Jererra, 14 yrs old, Cuasi, Loon, Bohol

Initial investigation conducted by PNP Bohol disclosed that the eight (8) victims were recruited by a certain Cosombia Sarabia of Taytay, Loon, Bohol who illegally recruited them in Bohol and shouldered all their fares and other expenses for their trip. All victims were promised to have a job as garment factory workers in an undisclosed place in Metro Manila.

At 11:30 PM of the same date, the victims were turned over to the custody of PNP Bohol and Bohol Crisis Intervention Center (BCIC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for further investigation and proper disposition.

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Coast Guard Commandant Wilfredo Tamayo directed today all Coast Guard Units particularly in Vizayas and Palawan area to be on the look out of the yacht that was allegedly used to help unload part for the firearms that was found earlier in MB CAPT UFUC in Mariveles, Bataan.

Admiral Tamayo said that based on reports from the Bureau of Customs and field intelligence operatives, sailing yacht MV MOU MAN TAI allegedly help in the unloading of the firearms and spirited the Captain who originally piloted the ship from Turkey to the Philippines. The said yacht departed Subic in the morning of August 19, 2009 and back in the afternoon on the same day. Reports also disclosed that it left Subic last August 21, 2009 to El Nido Palawan with six crews on board.

Admiral Tamayo said Coast Guard vessel BRP Corregidor is already in Palawan to look for its possible whereabouts. Admiral Tamayo added that Coast Guard personnel are directed to board, inspect the vessel and to hold the crew members for questioning.

The yacht, based on record is registered and homeported in Cebu and owned by Tranquila Realty Incorporation with business address in Mandaue City with six crews on board namely Derek Collin, Gordon Nevill, Silvestre Llena Guanzon, Crispe Lacbayo Jaud, Mark John Flores, Lesey Osorio Englis and Emilie Malagad LLanto.

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Joint Coast Guard and Bohol Provincial Police personnel apprehended a reported illegal recruiter identified as Alexander Moncada, 48 yrs old of Taytay, Loon, Bohol and eight (8) victims aboard M/V Our Lady of Good Voyage bound from Tagbilaran to Manila on August 19, 2009 at 9:30 PM.

Reports reaching the Coast Guard Headquarters revealed that Police Senior Inspector Vener Pascual Santos PNP, Intelligence Officer of Bohol Provincial Police Office appeared to Coast Guard StationTagbilaran to coordinate for the apprehension of the suspect and the victims on August 19, 2009 at 8:10 PM. At 8:30 PM, upon verification of the passenger manifest of the said vessel, names of the alleged illegal recruiter and some of the victims appeared. Immediately,CGS Tagbilaran personnel together with P/SINSP Vener Pascual Santos PNP and his team, Kagawad Esther Piollo, Head Task Force on human trafficking of Sanguniang Panlalawigan and PO3 Melinda Basalo PNP, BPPO Women’s Desk proceeded to Tagbilaran Port Starlite Terminal and coordinated with the office of 2GO Aboitiz and made arrangement in the pre-departure scanning and identification process of passengers for possible apprehension.

The eight (8) rescued victims were identified as the following:

1. Jeremias Aleman, 34 yrs old, Sal-ing, Balilihan, Bohol
2. Jaime Amolo, 32 yrs old
3. Laura Pangan, 24 yrs old, Cantomimbo, Balilihan, Bohol
4. Marites Marano, 23 yrs old, Sagasa, Balilihan, Bohol
5. Lonica Layao, 20 yrs old, Cantomimbo, Balilihan, Bohol
6. Mary Rose Hagunos, 20 yrs old, San Roque, Balilihan, Bohol
7. Lordly Joy Gablines, 17 yrs old, Cuasi, Loon, Bohol
8. Jane Jererra, 14 yrs old, Cuasi, Loon, Bohol

Initial investigation conducted by PNP Bohol disclosed that the eight (8) victims were recruited by a certain Cosombia Sarabia of Taytay, Loon, Bohol who illegally recruited them in Bohol and shouldered all their fares and other expenses for their trip. All victims were promised to have a job as garment factory workers in an undisclosed place in Metro Manila.

At 11:30 PM of the same date, the victims were turned over to the custody of PNP Bohol and Bohol Crisis Intervention Center (BCIC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for further investigation and proper disposition.

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Coast Guard Commandant Wilfredo Tamayo directed today all Coast Guard Units particularly in Vizayas and Palawan area to be on the look out of the yacht that was allegedly used to help unload part for the firearms that was found earlier in MB CAPT UFUC in Mariveles, Bataan.

Admiral Tamayo said that based on reports from the Bureau of Customs and field intelligence operatives, sailing yacht MV MOU MAN TAI allegedly help in the unloading of the firearms and spirited the Captain who originally piloted the ship from Turkey to the Philippines. The said yacht departed Subic in the morning of August 19, 2009 and back in the afternoon on the same day. Reports also disclosed that it left Subic last August 21, 2009 to El Nido Palawan with six crews on board.

Admiral Tamayo said Coast Guard vessel BRP Corregidor is already in Palawan to look for its possible whereabouts. Admiral Tamayo added that Coast Guard personnel are directed to board, inspect the vessel and to hold the crew members for questioning.

The yacht, based on record is registered and homeported in Cebu and owned by Tranquila Realty Incorporation with business address in Mandaue City with six crews on board namely Derek Collin, Gordon Nevill, Silvestre Llena Guanzon, Crispe Lacbayo Jaud, Mark John Flores, Lesey Osorio Englis and Emilie Malagad LLanto.

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Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo D Tamayo awards 9 officers and 42 enlisted personnel the Coast Guard Merit Medal for the successful evacuation, rescue, medical treatment and assistance rendered to more than 800 residents of Botolan, Zambales due to severe flooding following the collapse of the San Juan dike due to continues heavy rains brought by Tropical Storm “KIKO” from August 7 – 9, 2009 at the Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard on August 14, 2009.

According to Admiral Tamayo, the rescue team has proven their readiness to respond to the call for assistance in times of national emergency and distress. The team has rendered meritorious service specifically for their prompt, courageous and skillful act and sterling demonstration of teamwork.

ADMIRAL TAMAYO also edified in behalf of the officers and men of the PCG the 102nd Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron based in Subic, Zambales. He affirmed the readiness and commitment of the PCGA and other non-governmental organizations for leaving the comforts and conveniences of their respective abodes to join the search and rescue operations. He said that PCGA volunteers mushrooming to over a hundred in number from nearly all active squadrons in Zambales reported to the scene with rubber boats and rescue equipment. They also took pains in comforting those who lost their homes because of the flood.

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On or about 20 1530H August 2009, joint teams of Bureau of Customs (BOC), Philippine Coast Guard and local PNP conducted board and search inspection on the vessel, MV CAPTAIN UFUK that arrived in the anchorage area in the Port of Mariveles, Bataan last 19 2200H August 2009. Found and seized by the joint onboard were the following:

5 wooden boxes containing fifty (50) pcs of GALIL SS1-V1 Cal 5.56 A1
Assault Rifles made in Indonesia
120 empty magazines, and
45 bayonets.
10 empty wooden boxes having 9mm pistol markings

Verification of the vessel’s documents has shown the following details:

Name of Vessel : M/V CAPT UFUK
Tonnage : 2, 451 GT
Registry : Panamanian
Crew : 14 (13 Georgian and 1 South African)
Master : CAPT LAURENCE JOHN (South African)
Previous Master : CAPT BRUCE JONES (British)
Last Port of Call : Jakarta, Indonesia

Initial information gathered revealed that Capt John boarded M/V CAPTAIN UFUK via Subic Yatch Club onboard an unidentified yacht skippered by a foreigner. The turn-over of ship’s responsibility was done at vicinity waters off Bagac, Bataan on or about 19 1500H Aug 2009.

Additional information gathered showed that the vessel, M/V CAPTAIN UFUK is owned by LA PLATA TRADING, INC. with office address at BDO Building, Paseo de Roxas, Makati City. Apparently, the vessel is locally – owned but has a foreign registry.

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Admiral Tamayo , taking guidance from DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza who was alarmed by the three incidents, disclosed that Coast Guard units are to take pro active approach to enhance information sharing, conduct of dialogues, and thorough search and inspections of passengers and cargoes in the port areas, and passenger terminals. Admiral Tamayo also directed the Special Operations Group and Explosive Ordinance Units of the Coast Guard to conduct joint harbor patrol with Philippine Ports Authority personnel.

It can be recalled that on August 14, 2009 at 11:40 AM, combined elements of Coast Guard, Surigao City Police and local port police confiscated more or less 32 sacks of 50 millimeter Emulex Dangerous Explosives of ammonium nitrate with more or less 828 dynamite sticks, and some 300 pieces of non-electric blasting caps while about to be loaded onboard the MV MAHARLIKA CINCO at Lipata Ferry Terminal, Surigao del Norte with no pertinent documents. The said explosive materials were transported from Tandag, Surigao del Sur on board a 10-wheeler Fuso trailer truck (close van type) with plate number UTP 813 and were reportedly earmarked for Batangas.

A few weeks ago, similar confiscations of explosives materials were made by the PCG in two separate occasions, one at Mandaue Pier in Cebu on July 16, 2009 and the other at Talao-Talao Port in Lucena City, Quezon on July 25, 2009.

In response, the PCG has directed all PCG units to increase visibility, enhance information exchange, and step-up the conduct of search and inspection by the composite teams of Sea Marshals, CG K-9 units and Boarding Teams.

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According to Commodore Edgardo Gongona of the Coast Guard District in Northern Mindanao, their initial investigation disclosed that said ten-wheeler truck came from Tandag, Surigao Del Sur bound for Batangas via Lipata port with no pertinent documents. The said shipment of explosive materials were about to be loaded on board MV Maharlika Cinco at the Lipata Ferry Terminal when discovered by the Coast Guard Boarding Team which immediately sought the assistance of the local PPA Police and PNP unit. Said ten-wheeler truck was thereafter turned-over to the Surigao City Police Station for further investigation, filing of appropriate charges, and proper disposition.

Earlier this month, similar shipments of ammonium nitrate with thousands of blasting caps with detonating cords were seized by a Coast Guard Boarding Team in Mandaue, Cebu bound for Ozamis. Just a few days after, some 12 homemade dynamites were also discovered by a Coast Guard Boarding Team on board a ferry boat in Lucena.

Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo D Tamayo has earlier directed all Coast Guard Districts and Stations around the country to ensure that their respective personnel are more visible, vigilant and prepared to deter or neutralize all forms of threats to maritime security particularly in the port areas and on board commercial ships, in partnership with shipping, port authorities, other uniformed services and other cognizant agencies.

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Late in the evening of 06 August, 2009, the Coast Guard Action Center has received report that at least eight (8) Barangays of Botolan, Zambales have been severely flooded due to the collapse of a nearby dike as a result of continuous heavy rains during the height of typhoon “KIKO”. Reportedly, some residents of the said area have sought refuge in the rooftop of their houses.

Two (2) teams of Coast Guard SOG divers complete with diving gears and rubber boats were immediately dispatched to Botolan, Zambales to render necessary assistance.

The third team which is one (1) team of Coast Guard Special Medical Advance Rescue Team (SMART) was likewise dispatched to assist in the conduct of disaster response operations.

The Coast Guard Air Group has also dispatched one (1) fixed-wing and one (1) rotary aircraft on 07 0730H August 2009 in support of the overall operations.

PCG Search and Rescue Vessel BRP Davao Del Norte (SARV-3504), on the other hand, has been directed to conduct coastal patrol along the shorelines of affected coastal barangays.

Coast Guard Station Subic personnel under Coast Guard District National Capital Region-Central Luzon (CGDNCR-CL) with one (1) rubber boat taken from SARV-3504 also proceeded to the scene to assist in the said operations with the support of the members of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron.

Coast Guard Action Center continued to monitor for much-needed assistance in affected or flooded areas and directed CGS Subic thru CGD NCR-CL to coordinate PCG operations with other government agencies.

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Coast Guard retrieved the dead body of a drowned victim identified as Ryan Polyeros, 27 years old from General Santos City residing at La Carmela, Boracay, Boracay Island on August 8, 2009 at the vicinity waters of Zuzumi Beach Resort, Station 1, Brgy. Balabag, Boracay, Malay, Aklan.

Reports reaching the Coast Guard Headquarters disclosed that on August 8, 2009 at 7:00 PM personnel of Coast Guard Detachment Boracay received a telephone call from a concerned citizen that there was a drowning incident in the waters of Zuzumi Beach Resort. Immediately, Coast Guard Station Caticlan responded and proceeded to the scene of the incident onboard a multi-cab. Upon arriving at the scene, SAR team conducted search and rescue operations scouring the reported area where the victim was last seen. After an hour, the victim was spotted floating twenty (20) meters away from the shoreline. The dead victim was retrieved and subsequently brought to a local funeral parlor for autopsy.

Investigation conducted by CGS Caticlan personnel to the victim’s three (3) companion revealed that the Polyeros was swept by big waves and sank on the deeper part of the sea water causing him to drown.

The victim was immediately brought to Don Ciriaco Seners Tirol Memorial Hospital at Balabag, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan and was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician

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Six (6) Chinese nationals and four (4) crew onboard the capsized Motorbanca Renzo-1 with 12.37 Gross Tonnage, were rescued at vicinity waters of Matoco and Verde Island on August 6, 2009. Subject motorbanca was contracted by Club Mabuhay Resort to ferry their guests from Small Lalaguna, Sabang, Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro to Batangas. While underway, Mbca Renzo suddenly encountered big waves and strong winds causing it to capsize.

Investigation conducted by personnel of Coast Guard Detachment Puerto Galera to Mr. Marlon Lopez owner and operator of Mbca Renzo-3 revealed that upon learning the incident, Mr. Lopez immediately proceeded to the scene to conduct rescue of the passengers and eventually towing of the distressed motorbanca.

Coast Guard Station Commander Algier Ricafrente disclosed that Mbca Fantasea-5, owned and operated by Juanito Esperito, while on her way from Berberabe, Batangas bound to Sabang, Puerto Galera on Aug 6, 2009 at 12:30 PM, sighted the distressed motorbanca and rescued the six (6) passengers while the crew opted to stay to wait for their sister banca Renzo-3.

The six rescued Chinese nationals all from Hongkong were identified as:
1. Mr. Ma Wai Kwan May 39 years old
2. Mr. Chung Kar Yang Frank 47 years old
3. Mr. Ip Chi Kong 48 years old
4. Ms. Lo Yin Ling 40 years old
5. Mr. Fung Chi Wai 45 years old
6. Ms. Fan Man Wai 32 years old
Said Chinese survivors were immediately brought to Club Mabuhay Resort at 2:40PM for medical check-up and were found to be in good physical condition. Meanwhile, Coast Guard Station Calapan continues to monitor the arrival of Motorbancas Renzo-1 and Renzo-3

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The Coast Guard Action Center has received report that eight (8) Barangays of Botolan, Zambales have been flooded due to a destroyed dike. Reportedly, some residents in the area have sought refuge in the rooftop of their houses.

Two (2) teams of SOG divers complete with diving gears and rubber boats were immediately dispatched to the said area to render necessary assistance.

One (1) team of Coast Guard Special Medical Advance Rescue Team (SMART) was likewise dispatched to assist in the on-going disaster response operations.

The Coast Guard Air Group has already dispatched available aircraft on 07 0730H August 2009 in support of the overall operations.

PCG Search and Rescue Vessel BRP Davao del Norte (SARV-3504), on the other hand, has been directed to conduct coastal patrol along the shorelines of affected coastal barangays.

Coast Guard Station Subic personnel also proceeded to the scene of the incident to assist in the said operations with the support of the members of the local Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadrons.

Coast Guard Action Center continues to monitor for affected or flooded areas in coordination/ consultation with NDCC for necessary assistance.

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Coast Guard detachment Hilongos received report from Jonas A Gumahi, Captain of Motor Tug Pollux that his 2nd Engr. Joseph Gelasio O Labra, 42 year old and residing at Inayawan Pardo, Cebu City was found at the main deck of the vessel. The said tugboat was home ported at Cebu, owned and operated by Concrete Solutions Inc. with business address at Canduman Mandaue City, Cebu.

The master of the said vessel said that 2nd Engr. Joseph Gelasio O Labra was found unconscious at the main deck by other crew members and was immediately rush to Leyte Baptist Hospital but pronounced dead by the attending physician at around 9:25 am on August 4,.

The cadaver of said person was brought to local funeral parlor for autopsy while the master of the vessel was advised to report the incident to local PNP station.

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Coast Guard detachment in Allen, Samar disclosed today that M/V Queen Elizabeth-IX, a cargo vessel with three (3) officers and seven (7) crew members onboard and home ported in Cebu City, sank at the vicinity of Calbayog, Western Samar last August 3, 2009 at 9:20 am.

Investigation by Coast Guard personnel revealed that the cargo vessel was loaded with 22,780 cases of Beer and departed Mandaue City, Cebu at about 9:00 am last July 3, 2009, enroute to San Jose Southern Samar. The vessel was navigating at the vicinity of Barangay Pena Calbayog, Western Samar when it encountered big waves and strong winds brought by southwest monsoon. The vessel listed on her starboard side and eventually sank.

All officers and crew members of the subject vessel managed to survive by utilizing the vessel’s paddled life raft. They proceeded to Brgy. Bugtong, Calbayog City and arrived at around 4:45 pm of August 4, 2009. The survivors were assisted by Coast Guard personnel of Detachment Calbayog for medical checkup and were advised to report the incident to their shipping Office in Mandaue City, Cebu.

Meanwhile Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilferdo Tamayo, directed Coast Guard District Commander Commodore Rolando Dizon to alert Marine Environmental Protection Group (MEPGRU) Central Eastern Visayas and Special Operation Unit Central Eastern Visayas for possible oil spill.

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Coast Guard and Navy personnel rescued ten (10) passengers and one (1) crew onboard an unnamed motor pumpboat owned by Capt Loloy Laurente at the vicinity of Rasa Light House, Surigao City on July 31, 2009 at 12:25PM.

Reports reaching Coast Guard Action Center disclosed that personnel of CGS Surigao received report from an unnamed caller reporting the capsizing of the subject motorbanca on July 31, 2009 at 9 o’clock in the morning. Upon receipt of the report, joint elements of CGS Surigao City together with Surigao City Quick Action Response Team (QART) immediately proceeded to the said area onboard Philippine Navy vessel PG-395 to conduct Search and Rescue operations.

The pumpboat was on its way to San Pedro, Surigao City after fishing operations when the said pumpboat was battered by bigwaves and subseqwently capsized All the passengers were rescued and safely ferried to Surigao City Pier while the capsized pumpboat was towed by PG-395. All the survivors, who held on to the capsized motor banca, are in good health condition and presently under the custody of local executives of Surigao City..

The rescued fishermen are:

1. Lojer L. Bonon - 30 years old
2. Euphemia Golfo - 65 years old
3. Merlinda M. Acuna - 40 years old
4. Joselito Ecleo - 26 years old
5. Philip Besing - 28 years old
6. Serapio Luna - 63 years old
7. Pepito Golfo - 63 years old
8. Rafael Golfo - 40 years old
9. Loloy Laurente - 32 years old
10. Joel Ladero - 40 years old
11. Vivencio Labastida - 64 years old

All survivors were sent home to their respective families in good physical conditon.

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