THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has safely rescued nine people aboard a motorboat in distress off Zamboanga del Norte province, the PCG reported Sunday, December 4, 2022.

The PCG said the nine people, all from Zamboanga City, were rescued around 11:40 a.m. Friday, December 2, in between the town of Liloy and Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte.

The PCG identified them as the following: Henry Burong, 35; Deigo Burong, 35; Surafi Anapi, 43; Benjar Luntian, 42; Isa Musa, 42; Aldamer Alih, 30; Boy Saguile, 27; Bader Barahim, 43; and Magno Dalawis, 52.

Investigation showed they came from Jolo, Sulu, and were en route to Dipolog City when the motorboat they were riding was battered by big waves.

The half-submerged motorboat drifted toward the vicinity waters off Liloy, Zamboanga Del Norte.

PCG personnel aboard M/V Empress Amy rescued all the nine people aboard the motorboat in distress and “brought them to the nearest shoreline.”

The motorboat was towed by M/V Empress Amy Lamao Port in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.

The Liloy Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office examined all nine rescued people and confirmed they were all in good physical condition. (SunStar Zamboanga)