178 fishermen missing; ‘Task Force Mananagat’ formed (12:43 p.m.)
BACOLOD CITY - The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental has formed Monday Task Force Mananagat to search and rescue about 178 Negrense fishermen, who remain missing at the Iloilo, Romblon and Capiz waters.
Based on the initial data presented to the media Monday morning at the Capitol, a total of 24 fishing vessels, 20 of which were from Cadiz City and four others from Sagay City, all in northern Negros capsized in the Visayan sea at the height of typhoon “Frank” on Saturday and Sunday.
Of the 543 fishermen on board the 24 capsized boats, one was confirmed dead. He was identified as Rene Baring from Cadiz City, bringing a total of five fatalities in Negros Occidental.
More than 360 fishermen reportedly survived and are now in safe condition.
Governor Isidro Zayco named Cadiz City Mayor Salvador “Bading” Escalante as chairman of Task Force Mananagat. Agencies such as the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Command, Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Provincial Disaster Management Team, among others are designated as members.
Zayco, who is also vice chair of the newly formed task force, commissioned as well Senior Superintendent. Rosendo Franco, police provincial director, to borrow two helicopters from the Philippine Airforce to be used for the immediate search and rescue operations for the 178 missing Negrense.
Meanwhile, four other fatalities were identified as Teresa Campos, 8, from Murcia; Perlita Sanita, 49, from Sagay City; Elieser Monaliza Padilla, 31 from Pontevedra; and Luminado Temporosa, 82 from Hinigaran. (EASD)
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