The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued nine passengers of a distressed motorbanca that was battered by big waves at the vicinity waters off Samal City, Davao del Norte on 09 March 2021.

The passengers requested for rescue when the motorbanca's engine malfunctioned.

Upon investigation, the PCG found out that the rescued individuals violated Executive Order Number 277 of the Island Garden City of Samal amid the ongoing pandemic.

They were turned over to the Samal City Health Office for the conduct of RT-PCR test and mandatory isolation.