LIMAY, Bataan — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Friday it has yet to locate the 13 missing fishermen from Mariveles town here as it issued a “Notice to Mariners” in the country to keep a lookout.
Commander Airland Lapitan of the PCG-Bataan Provincial Station said the search is continuous for the 12 crewmen and the skipper of fishing boat Three Sisters – 2 that sank off the vicinity of Reed Bank in Palawan due to strong waves.
The boat that left Barangay Sisiman in Mariveles last October 28 was about to return home after fishing when caught by rough seas at dawn of November 6.
Of the crewmen, only Angelito Epetito was so far the only one rescued.
Lapitan said two PCG boats are on standby in the area and its vicinities continuing the search.
He said PCG issued a Notice to Mariners to intensify the search for the missing crew members.
“The alert involves fishing boats and sea vessels, including international vessels, once docked in Philippine ports,” Lapitan said.
Meanwhile, the families of the missing fishermen said they are not only experiencing anxiety but they have difficulty in providing for the members of their households.
They appealed for assistance in the form of goods from government and charitable institutions, adding that they could not work while still worrying over the fate of the missing fishermen.
The still missing are crewmember Bobby Gabales, Ronilo Epetito, Jeffrey Abayon, Frederick Falogme, Ariel Epetito, Anmar Bonocan, Joel Negrido, Dondon Narciso, Jerry Villaruel, Jerry Mantaring, Christian Gabales, Ruel Guico and boat captain, Laureano delos Santos. (PNA)
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