9 fishermen missing off Scarborough shoal

MANILA -- Authorities are now searching for nine fishermen, who were reported missing after they failed to return from their fishing venture off the Scarborough or Panatag Shoal in West Philippine Sea.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday that personnel from its Detachment in Masinloc are now conducting search operations in four towns in Zambales for the fishermen who were reported missing since October 1.

"CGDet Masinloc scoured the Municipality of Candelaria, Palauig, Iba and Cabangan in Zambales to gather information and verify the identification of the nine missing fishermen onboard F/Bca Jericho who all failed to return from their fishing venture in Scarborough Shoal," the PCG said.

The fishermen were identified as Ricky Quidez, Mac Mac Quidez, Melbert Quidez, Joven Cervantes, and Glen Reyes, all from Bangan village, Botolan, Zambales; Gardo Docusin from La Union; Rogelio Elesterio Sr., Joseph Valdez, and Bibiano dela Pena III, all from Iba, Zambales.

The PCG said it advised the Village officials and all fishing sectors of the four municipalities to be on the look-out on the missing fishermen and report to Coast Guard Station in Subic once they were sighted. (SDR/Sunnex)