By: LIEUTENANT COLONEL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office
Tuesday, 29 September 2009
The Philippine Navy sailors of Naval Forces West (NFW) stationed in Palawan rescued 20 fishermen from Cebu around 1pm, 28 September 2009.
Initial reports provided to this Headquarters by Commodore Orwen J Cortez, NFW Commander, the fishermen on board F/B John Paul were bound for Sinamahan Reef when they encountered big waves due to typohon “Ondoy”. Their fishing boat capsized and four of their companions are still missing.
Navy personnel aboard M/L Super Nashville conducting routine maritime patrol immediately acted on reports of the sea mishap and rescued the 20 at vicinity 10 nautical miles off Sinamahan Reef. The Navy tried to sustain the search and rescue operations but failed to find the other four due to deteriorating weather condition.
Rescued were: Armando Wagwag, 57, owner and boat captain; Micheal Conversion, 40; Romulo Wagwag, 25; Gomercindo Tanyo, 24; Charlito Celiona, 51; Eric Macaraya, 37; Renato Degrano, 18; Roman Tanyo, 31; Raymund Duallo, 26; Reymundo Duallo, 50; Micheal Duallo, 30; Edgar Lambuon, 18; Saturnino Unok, 36; Rolando Amorin, 32; Diosephos Degrano, 20; Martin Segurino, 51; Isgani Flores, 36; Reymundo Balasi, 36; Juanito Paquhibot, 39; and Charlito Wagwag, 35. All are residents of Baring, Lapu Lapu City.
Meanwhile, four of their companions are still missing. They are Romulo Manahay, 31; Roque Legaspi, 32; Federico Amit Jr, 28; and German Gonzales, 30. NFW has dispatched available assets to conduct SAR for the remaining four.
The rescued fishermen were brought to Balabac town. Commo Cortez has directed BRP Juan Magluyan (PG 392) to transport the 20 to Puerto Princesa City for further medical care.
Amidst many deployment of Fleet-Marine units in rescue, retrieval and relief operations in Quezon and Bulacan provinces and in Metro Manila towns of CAMANAVA, Paranaque, Cainta, Pasig, and Marikina, the Navy is perpetually ready to respond to various distress calls. We will remain committed to be at the forefront of humanitarian and development endeavors in support to national government for the welfare of our fellow Filipinos.
