This is the dramatic moment the navy rescued four fishermen whose boat capsized in rough seas in southern Philippines.

Crew of the BRP Juan Magluyan vessel were conducting a routine patrol when they spotted the distressed fishing boat off Pababag Island in Tawi-Tawi, on July 18.

Footage shows the officers tossing a life preserver to the villagers seen clinging onto the overturned speedboat. All four were safely pulled onboard and returned to the Lamion Wharf.

The Western Mindanao Naval Command said in a statement: 'Initial accounts from the survivors revealed that they were en route to Simunul Island when their banca succumbed to strong waves.

'Fortunately, all four were unharmed and in stable condition. At 2:54 pm, the patrol craft returned to Lamion Wharf, where the rescued individuals were formally turned over to Naval Intelligence and Security Unit (NISU) personnel for standard profiling and assistance.'

The incident occurred amid choppy seas caused by the monsoon season in the country.

Philippines and neighbouring nations in Southeast Asia are in their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.