MANILA: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is verifying reports that nine fishermen who were reported missing while fishing near the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal last October 1 have drifted to Mindoro and are now safe.
Lt Cmdr Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman, said one of the relatives of missing fishermen had advised their office in Zambales of receiving a text message from one of missing fishermen, saying they are alive and currently stranded at Cabra Island in Mindoro.
“We are still verifying this information with our PCG unit in Mindoro,” Balilo said.
The nine fishermen, mostly from Iba, Zambales, were last monitored to be fishing in the vicinity of Panatag Shoal on board the F/B Jericho.
Their disappearance was only reported last Oct 10 with the PCG, which immediately conducted search and rescue operations.
Balilo identified the missing fishermen as Ricky Quidez, Mac-Mac Quidez, Melbert Quidez, Joven Cervantes, Glen Reyes, Gardo Docusin, Rogelio Elesterio Sr, Joseph Valdez and Bibiano de la Peña.
The Philippine Star
