The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) successfully freed the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessel BRP Datu Magat Salamat (MMOV 3015) after it ran aground in the vicinity waters of Hasa-Hasa Shoal, West Philippine Sea, on 17 September 2026. BRP Datu Magat Salamat was at Hasa-Hasa Shoal to deliver fuel subsidy to Filipino fishermen as part of the government’s Kadiwa para sa Bagong Bayaning Mangingisda (KBBM) Program in the Kalayaan Island Group.
Yesterday morning, while approaching a group of Filipino fishing vessels to position herself for the distribution of fuel to some fifteen to twenty fishing boats, the vessel ran aground in the shallow waters of the shoal. The fishing boats immediately attempted to assist and provided initial towing assistance, but the effort was unsuccessful due to the morning low tide and their limited pulling power.
Upon receiving the report, the PCG dispatched BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402) from Buliluyan Port, Bataraza, Palawan, with Coast Guard divers on board. BRP Malabrigo arrived at the area at around noontime and laid out a 600-meter towing line using its rigid-hulled inflatable boat. At around 3:34 PM, BRP Malabrigo safely pulled BRP Datu Magat Salamat out of the grounding area despite rough seas, southwesterly winds of 22 to 27 knots, and large waves.
While the salvage operation was ongoing, BRP Malabrigo also monitored a China Coast Guard aircraft with tail number 11101 conducting apparent aerial surveillance over the grounded BFAR vessel. Following the successful refloating, the vessel’s Master decided to continue the mission to other areas to complete the delivery of fuel subsidy to Filipino fishermen.
The PCG remains committed to supporting BFAR and other government agencies in ensuring the safety and welfare of Filipino fishermen exercising our legitimate rights in the West Philippine Sea. This operation is in compliance with the standing guidance of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety and security of our fishermen, wherever they may be in Philippine waters.
