By I. Inojales | 03:51 PM December 29, 2025
CORDOVA, Cebu — All 18 passengers aboard a motorized banca traveling from Getafe, Bohol to Cebu were rescued after the vessel capsized near Gilutungan Island on December 28, 2025, following a swift and coordinated response by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and other responders.
The PCG identified the vessel as the motorized banca Jhon David, which left Getafe bound for Cebu City. At around 1:20 p.m., personnel of the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Cordova, manning the Passenger Assistance Center Desk at the Cordova RoRo Port under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Pasko 2025, received an initial report from survivors that the banca had become unstable and capsized off Gilutungan Island.
Search and rescue operations were immediately launched, with rescue boat RB-023 deployed along with a hired motorized banca. Minutes later, at about 1:40 p.m., CGSS Aduana received a distress report relayed by a Coast Guard personnel onboard MV Ocean Jet 10, which was also en route from Getafe, Bohol to Cebu.
Through rapid coordination among Coast Guard units, the crew of MV Ocean Jet 10 promptly conducted rescue operations and successfully retrieved 14 passengers from the water.
The rescued passengers were later brought safely to Pier 1 in Cebu City.
By 2:11 p.m., the CGSS Cordova search and rescue team reached the incident site and confirmed that the remaining two individuals—the banca operator and his son—had already been rescued by Coast Guard personnel using a rented motorized banca. Towing operations for the capsized vessel then commenced.
Coast Guard personnel assisted the passengers upon arrival at Pier 1 and conducted an initial investigation. No serious injuries were reported.
Initial findings indicated that the banca, carrying 18 persons, lost stability near Gilutungan Island and later drifted toward the waters off Cuaming Island, Bohol. Towing operations were completed at around 4:20 p.m., with the vessel secured near Cordova Reef.
The Coast Guard District Central Visayas lauded the prompt coordination among responding Coast Guard units, the crew of MV Ocean Jet 10, and local fishermen, which ensured the safe rescue of all passengers.
The PCG reminded the public, especially those traveling on inter-island routes such as Getafe-to-Cebu, to remain vigilant and strictly comply with maritime safety regulations, particularly during peak travel periods.
