English: Bagong Calarian, Zamboanga City - The Philippine Navy, through Naval Forces Western Mindanao, rendered Rescue and Assistance to a distressed Motor Banca (MB) identified as Den Russel while it was traversing just a nautical mile west off Lampinigan Island, Basilan Province at 9:22 in the Morning of January 02, 2024.

According to NFWM PAO, NFWM's Littoral Monitoring Station (LMS) in Pilas, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan was able to monitor the said Motor Banca (MB) as it encountered Engine trouble while underway. The MB, carrying more or less 120 Passengers, left Dungon in Banguingui Sulu Province and was en route to Zamboanga City when its Engine malfunctioned.

NFWM responded quickly to the Distress Call and deployed its Naval Transport Vessel BRP Ivatan (LC298), which arrived at noon in the vicinity of Lampinigan Island, Basilan Province and immediately assisted the troubled MB. Due to unfavorable Weather Condition and for the safety of the Passengers, the MB was towed immediately en route to Naval Station Romulo (NSRE) Espaldon in Zamboanga City.

Meanwhile, while the MB was towed en route to Zamboanga City, its Crew managed to repair boat's main Engine and upon arrival at Ensign Majini Pier NSRE; the Boat immediately proceeded to Petron Pier in Lower Calarian, where all the Passengers safely disembarked.

"Your Philippine Navy, together with other Local Government Units and Maritime Law Enforcement Agencies like the Philippine Coast Guard and Maritime PNP, always remind Seafarers to ensure the integrity and safety of their Vessels before their voyage," said RADM DONN ANTHONY L MIRAFLOR PN, the Commander NFWM.