Motorized banca sinks in Calayan; 18 passengers rescued on time

The incident occurred at around 3:20 p.m. while the banca was traveling from Claveria to Calayan when weather conditions suddenly deteriorated due to the southwest monsoon.

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Eighteen people were safely rescued after the motorized banca they were aboard sank in the waters off Calayan, Cagayan on September 5, 2026, the Cagayan Police Provincial Office (Cagayan PNP) reported.

The incident occurred at around 3:20 p.m. while the banca was traveling from Claveria to Calayan when weather conditions suddenly deteriorated due to the southwest monsoon, locally known as Habagat, bringing strong winds and rough waves.

According to an informant, the banca was filled with water due to a hole from the side of the banca, and that although the boat did not totally sink, it was not able to move as it became heavy.

Among those rescued were three Cagayan police personnel, one Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) personnel, four Philippine Marine Corps personnel, and seven civilian passengers and crew members.

The Calayan Police Station, led by PCPT Jessie Alonzo, immediately responded with the Philippine Coast Guard, other responding agencies and civilian volunteers.

All 18 passengers and crew were successfully rescued and brought to the Calayan Rural Health Unit for medical assessment.

The uniformed personnel were reportedly traveling to Calayan to serve a warrant of arrest in connection with a case involving the Qualified Rape of a Minor.

Meanwhile, authorities continue to conduct an investigation and retrieval operations for several firearms and government properties reportedly lost when the banca sank.

Cagayan PPO Provincial Director PCOL Mardito G. Anguluan emphasized that the safety of the passengers and responding personnel remains the priority.

“Ang pinakamahalaga ay ligtas ang ating mga tauhan at ang lahat ng sakay. Patuloy nating uunahin ang kaligtasan, lalo na sa paglalakbay sa karagatan at panahon ng masamang lagay ng panahon,” said Anguluan.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation as retrieval and investigation efforts are underway.