A crew member who survived the capsizing of the recreational vessel MBCA Amejara and was rescued by Philippine Coast Guard personnel on Tuesday reportedly had been drifting at sea for two days, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) revealed on Thursday.
“As per the survivor statement nagpalutang lutang siya,” said CGDSEM deputy commander Macy Gabion in a press briefing.
Christopher Bulig, who was found alive near Sarangani Island after being reported missing at sea, is currently recuperating at Camp Panacan Hospital in Davao City.
He was airlifted on January 21, 2026, aboard a Black Hawk S-70i helicopter of the Philippine Air Force’s Tactical Operations Wing Eastern Mindanao (TOWEASTMIN).
Upon arrival, Bulig was personally received by TOWEASTMIN Wing Commander Brig. Gen. Romeo Jerome M. Dirilo before being brought to Naval Station Felix Apolinario for medical evaluation and care.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Field Office 11 confirmed that Bulig is not yet emotionally stable enough to undergo interviews or give a full account of what happened.
Gemma D. Dela Cruz, Officer-in-Charge Assistant Regional Director for Operations of DSWD Field Office 11, urged the public to give him time to recover physically and emotionally.
“As of now, hindi pa siya puwedeng ma-interview because dili pa siya stable, especially emotionally,” said Dela Cruz.
Dela Cruz said that during psychosocial support sessions, DSWD 11 personnel intentionally avoided asking questions about the maritime incident itself.
“During his psychosocial analysis, andun lang kami para makinig. We did not dwell on the incident or how it happened. We focused on the emotions of the survivor,” she explained.
Dela Cruz emphasized that allowing the survivor enough time is essential to prevent further trauma and the risk of misinformation, noting that Bulig is still experiencing memory gaps and fragmented recollections of the ordeal.
“We have to respect the person. Baka makapagbigay siya ng maling impormasyon dahil hindi pa buo ang alaala niya. We give him time to connect all the events,” Dela Cruz added.
Authorities continue to monitor Bulig’s condition closely, stressing that his well-being remains the priority.
Dela Cruz said any formal interview or detailed narration of the incident will only be conducted once he is emotionally and psychologically ready.
