18 missing fishermen rescued

EIGHTEEN fishermen, who went missing in the sea last October 24, were rescued, an official of Bantay Dagat said.

Noel Ligtas, team leader of the Bantay Dagat, revealed Friday that all the reported missing fishermen have been rescued and are now back in their homes.

According to Ligtas, the teams of Mayor Alfred Romualdez and the Bantay Dagat rescued separately a total of 31 persons from different locations.

Near Dio Island, Romualdez’ team rescued 10 fishermen, namely: Arnold Solayao, Oca Solayao, Jun Solayao, Quirom Solayao, Aniel Daantos, Joselito Separa, Percival Separa, Julie Bolcasi, Diomedes Omer, and Edgar Maala, all of legal age of San Jose.

They were temporarily held at the island which is about five kilometers away from mainland Tacloban, and was only transported back to the city late Thursday afternoon, October 25, when the Tropical Storm “Ofel” exits the country.

At the height of the typhoon last Wednesday, eight fishermen managed to swim ashore and returned home unharmed leaving their capsized wrecked fishing bancas near the Katisan Point of the DZR Airport.

Ligtas identified the fishermen as Dondon Demicillo, Elly Demicillo, Gerome Raliya, Jonathan Baclea-an, Dodong Verginisa, Enan Monserata, Reo Pindos and Sargie Villanueva.

Bantay Dagat operation lead by Ligtas, rescued 13 people at Sinapdan Island, near San Juanico Bridge. Of the 13, five were from San Jose, and eight were from Barangay Alegria, Babatngon, Leyte.

Ligtas said the only missing motorized banca being used for net fishing was the “Hulbot- Hulbot” owned by Licandro Ranido. Its two crews also reportedly made it home themselves. (Leyte Samar Daily Express)