The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station Davao Occidental assisted in the arrival of two Filipino fishermen who were rescued in the vicinity waters off Marore Island, Indonesia.

The rescued Filipinos were fishing in the waters off Balut Island, Davao Occidental on 18 February 2023 when they experienced engine failure.

This caused the boat to drift towards Indonesian waters about a nautical mile off Marore Island.

On 19 February 2023, an Indonesian Army personnel detached at Marore Island heard their shout for help and conducted a rescue operation.

The Filipino fishermen were identified as 52-year-old Indri Pawi and 32-year-old Germinyo Pawi --- residents of Barangay Tinina, Balut Island in Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

They were escorted by Bimboy Barahama, an Indonesian national of Filipino descent and a resident of Marore Island (wearing black shirt and white shorts).

Upon arrival, their documents were properly checked by the Border Crossing Office (BCO) Batuganding and the Bureau of Immigration.

The local government unit of Sarangani also extended help by rendering relief assistance to the repatriated individuals.

The PCG escorted the individuals back to their residence at Barangay Tinina on 02 March 2023.