The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) assisted in rescuing a total of 50 residents, including two infants, at Sitio Danat, Barangay Manlag, El Nido, Palawan that was submerged in floodwater, following torrential rainfall that started at around 07:00 p.m. yesterday, 15 July 2021.

PCG District Palawan Commander, Commodore Genito B Basilio immediately deployed personnel and assets to assist the local government units of El Nido and other concerned government agencies in ensuring the safety of affected residents.

Personnel of the PCG Station El Nido, PCG Special Operations Force (SOF), BRP Bojeador (AE-46), BRP Cabra (MRRV-4409), BRP Malapascua (MRRV-4403), as well as PCG-manned BFAR vessels, MCS-3002, MCS-3004, and MCS-3007 also augmented the rescue efforts.

The PCG, together with the 23rd Company of the Philippine Marines and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), rescued a total of 50 residents, including two infants, at Sitio Danat – one of the hardest hit areas in the municipality.

The PCG also dispatched personnel to assist rescue and evacuation efforts in Barangay Pasadeña, Barangay Barotuan, and Barangay Libertad. 

During the height of torrential rainfall, the PCG also rendered assistance to motorbanca, DEO which encountered engine trouble while underway to take shelter.

Personnel of PCG Station El Nido on board speedboat, MB Excalibur (MB-0109) assisted said motorbanca until it safely arrived at El Nido Floating Dock in Barangay Buena Suerte, El Nido.

MB Excalibur (MB-0109) was donated by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade and Commodore Paul Louie P Tugade PCGA to PCG Station El Nido on 16 January 2021 to intensify Coast Guard presence in the municipality.

“Despite our pressing mandate and firm commitment to ensure maritime security and maritime safety in the West Philippine Sea and the Kalayaan Island Group, rest assured the PCG District Palawan and Coast Guard vessels under the Task Force Pagsasanay will always be there to render humanitarian assistance to the people of Palawan,” Commodore Basilio said.

“We will always be there to serve with humility and compassion for this is what our distressed kababayans so deserve,” the PCG District Palawan Commander added.

As of today, 16 July 2021, majority of the rescued residents were able to return to their homes after floodwater subsided in El Nido. 

The PCG, under the leadership of Commandant, Admiral George V Ursabia Jr, is an attached agency of the DOTr led by Secretary Tugade and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.