A 31-year-old fisherman who went missing after heading out to sea in Occidental Mindoro has been rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Philippine Navy after drifting for nine days due to engine failure.
In a statement, the PCG identified the fisherman as Joshua Matugas, a resident of Barangay Tayamaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.
Matugas departed aboard his fishing banca, FBCA “TYRON,” on October 16, 2026, and was reported missing the following day after he failed to return from the waters near Sitio Kalangigan, Barangay Harrison, Paluan.
Following the report, Coast Guard Sub-Station Paluan launched search-and-rescue operations in coordination with local government units, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and local fisherfolk.
Authorities also issued public advisories and sent radio calls to vessels passing through the area to help locate the missing fisherman.
On the evening of October 23, crew members of the Philippine Navy vessel BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PS-41) spotted and rescued Matugas approximately 51.1 nautical miles southwest of Calavite, Paluan.
According to the PCG, an investigation found that the fishing banca had suffered engine failure on October 14, leaving Matugas adrift at sea.
Due to operational commitments and time constraints, the Navy vessel brought him to Rivera Wharf at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in Olongapo City, where Coast Guard Station Zambales and SBMA medical personnel received him on October 24.
A medical assessment confirmed that Matugas was in good physical condition despite his prolonged exposure at sea.
His fishing banca was also recovered and towed to safety by Coast Guard Station Zambales and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources deployable response team.
An escort team from Coast Guard Station Occidental Mindoro then assisted in his return home. Matugas arrived at the Port of Abra de Ilog aboard MV REINA HOSANNA on the morning of October 25.
He was subsequently turned over to representatives of the Occidental Mindoro Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the provincial government’s Department of Social Welfare and Development Office for transport and reunification with his family in Mamburao.
The PCG credited the successful operation to the coordination among the Philippine Navy, the Philippine National Police, BFAR, local government agencies, and other maritime stakeholders.
