Balabac, Palawan – One person has been confirmed dead, eight others rescued, and two remain missing after a motorboat capsized in the waters between Sitio Matangguli and Canibungan Island on Sunday morning, June 8, 2025. The incident occurred when the vessel, en route to Malaysia, experienced engine failure amidst strong winds and rough seas.
The fatality has been identified as Jelyn, a resident of Cavite. Meanwhile, among the eight rescued individuals are three women from Las Piñas City, Quezon City, and Mandaue City in Cebu, in addition to four men from Olongapo City, Talisay City in Cebu, and Barangay Indalawan, Balabac, alongside the boat’s male crew member. Efforts to determine the identities of the two missing passengers are ongoing.
The survivors were rescued by a fishing boat that promptly reported the incident to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). According to the Coast Guard Sub-Station in South Western Palawan, the boat was carrying 11 individuals when its engine stopped functioning. Coupled with severe waves and inclement weather, the vessel capsized.
Authorities suspect the passengers may have been victims of human trafficking, as the boat was reportedly transporting individuals to Malaysia through illegal means, bypassing proper immigration channels. The survivors and the remains of the deceased person are currently stationed in Barangay Bancalaan.
Search and rescue operations, led by the PCG, were temporarily halted due to continuing adverse weather conditions but will resume once the situation improves, confirmed Ens. Mark Joseph Bajao, Acting Station Commander of PCG Balabac.
The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued a public warning against suspicious overseas job offers. They urge individuals to avoid arrangements that promise swift processing without proper documentation such as a working visa or an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). Additionally, the DMW has cautioned against operators offering transport via small vessels or ferries from ports, as they are often linked with schemes involving deception, forced labor, or sexual exploitation.
This incident serves as a grave reminder of the dangers posed by illegal recruitment and unauthorized transit methods. Authorities continue to investigate the possible human trafficking case, while efforts to locate the two missing individuals remain a priority.