The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is monitoring the grounded Philippine-flagged tanker MT Cheng Xian Feng 168 in Burgos, Surigao del Norte, after it ran aground due to engine trouble and strong currents, with no oil spill reported.
All nine Filipino crew members were safely rescued, and towing operations are underway to remove the vessel while environmental risks are assessed.
In a separate incident, the PCG also rescued 50 passengers and salvaged 250 sacks of rice from a motorboat that lost propulsion off Marinduque.
Meanwhile, search and rescue operations continue for a missing fisherman off Subic, Zambales, complicated by the presence of Chinese naval vessels in the area.
PCG officials emphasized their commitment to safeguarding lives at sea, despite challenges posed by foreign vessels in the country’s exclusive economic zone.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 12, 2026
