PCG: Personnel of Multi-Role Response Vessel-4402 (BRP Malabrigo) and Coast Guard Station Zamboanga responded to a distress call from M/V "Kudos" on pirate attacks of unidentified armed men, equipped with assorted high powered firearms onboard three motorbancas at vicinity 4.4 nautical miles South East off Sibago Island, Basilan yesterday, February 16.

M/V Kudos is a cargo vessel loaded with assorted steel bars with 27 crew onboard including the Master which departed Kudos Private Pier Panacan Davao City at 4 PM of 15 February bound for Pier 16 North Harbour.

After receiving the reports, Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao dispatched BRP Malabrigo from Ben Go Wharf enroute to the given coordinates and subsequently sighted the said distressed vessel while MCS 3003, which is moored at Sangali Fish Port was directed to conduct patrol at said area.

Initial information gathered from the ship captain, Captain Chris Paul Maligmat, revealed that the suspects attempted to board their vessel but the crew immediately responded by splashing boiled water which prompted the perpetrators to open fire.

The incident resulted to a minor injury suffered in the hands of one of the vessel’s crew which accordingly is caused from ship glass debris. First aid was immediately rendered to the injured person by the PCG Medical team who boarded the cargo vessel together with other personnel who conducted initial investigation.

M/V “Kudos” is now anchored safely at the City Pier after being escorted by MRRV-4402.