5 missing fishermen found safe in Oriental Mindoro town

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Five fishermen who were reported missing after going fishing off Santa Cruz, Occidental Mindoro, were found safe in Sablayan, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Saturday, Aug. 22.

The fishermen were identified as Romnick Temenia, Ronelio Temenia, Arjhay Ortea, Aldrin Bonilia and Agustin Ramirez.

They were aboard the fishing boat FBCA “Balong 3” and had been reported missing on Aug. 16.

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The PCG said the fishermen encountered strong winds and rough seas while fishing in waters off Santa Cruz.

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Because of the bad weather and rough seas, the boat captain decided to move closer to shore and temporarily anchor near Barangay Poblacion I in Santa Cruz.

When conditions at sea slightly improved, the fishermen proceeded to Sitio Tabok in Barangay Buenavista, Sablayan in search of a safer place to take shelter.

The Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Sablayan, in coordination with the Sablayan Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, immediately conducted verification after receiving information from CGSS Mamburao that the fishermen were within its area of jurisdiction.

The PCG confirmed that all five fishermen were safe and in good condition.

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No injuries were reported, and their boat was found without damage or other problems.

Their families later proceeded to Sitio Tabok, where the five fishermen were safely turned over to their relatives. /apl