THE COAST Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has officially formed two separate investigating bodies to probe the sinking of MBCA Amejara, focusing on both safety protocols and potential criminal liabilities. Incident Investigation Team (IIT): A seven-member team, including legal experts and specialized units. Investigations confirmed that MBCA Amejara is registered only as a daytime passenger motorbanca for tourism, with a franchise limited to routes between Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) . Soria disclosed that while the crew of the MBCA Amejara sought permission to sail, Coast Guard officers refused to sign the permits due to “inconsistencies in their route” and other documentary deficiencies. “If you have not been given permission by the Coast Guard, you are not allowed [to sail],” Soria emphasized.