POLICE and Bantay Dagat Task Force personnel rescued three fishermen who were adrift for five days after their motorbanca capsized in the waters of Sta. Monica, Surigao del Norte.

Brigadier General Gilberto DC Cruz, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Caraga director identified the fishermen as Ador S. Varquez, 49, resident of Barangay Sering, Socorro, Surigao del Norte; Cliford V. Mante, 27, resident of Barangay Rizal, Socorro, Surigao del Norte; and Jerry V. Boiser, 25, resident of Barangay Rizal, Socorro, Surigao del Norte.

The rescue operation was initiated shortly after the fishermen were reported to have gone missing. The three men left Socorro town on August 4.

“Their motorbanca capsized when large waves crashed into them upon reaching the sea waters of Siargao Islands. Although they were floating in five days without food and water, the fishermen managed to survive,” the region’s police chief said.

The rescued fishermen were accommodated by Sta. Monica Municipal Police Station and were brought to their homes over the weekend. (PJ Orias)