ORMOC CITY — An explosion was reported aboard the motor tanker MTKR Matipuno at around 10:05 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, 2026, while the vessel was at GGC Port in Barangay Punta, Ormoc City, Leyte.
Personnel of the Coast Guard Station Western Leyte (CGSWL), Coast Guard Sub-Station Ormoc (CGSS Ormoc), and other concerned units noticed the sudden explosion and immediately established communication with the vessel.
The responding team coordinated the deployment of MBCA KCQ 3 to proceed to the tanker and assess the situation.
Upon arrival, the team inspected the vessel and conducted an initial investigation.
According to the vessel’s master, the explosion may have been caused by faulty electrical wiring involving the port and starboard windlass funnel board.
The vessel’s firefighting team immediately responded and successfully put out the fire.
No crew member was reported injured or killed in the incident.
Coast Guard personnel continued their assessment of the vessel as further investigation is being conducted to determine the exact cause of the explosion and the extent of any damage.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
