9 missing fishermen found alive in Ilocos high seas

By Freddie G. Lazaro

CAMP PRESIDENT QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur – Nine fishermen earlier reported missing in the high seas during the onslaught of tropical depression “Dodong” turned up alive in the shores of Pangasinan and Ilocos Sur last week, authorities reported.

Senior Supt. Reynante G. Partible, acting provincial police director, identified the nine survivors as Gabriel V. Vesta, 29, of Barangay Arosan, Bolinao, Pangasinan; Rosalino M. Perges Jr., 28; and Joel L. Murcia, 32, both of Barangay Bayambang, Infanta, Pangasinan;

Gregorio M. Santillan, 52; Jovani M. Murcia, 22; Marwin T. Ladao, 19; Philip M. Murcia, 20; and Felix C. Relator, 51, all of of Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan; and Nestor M. Lapis, 36, of Barangay Poblacion, Infanta, Pangasinan.

Partible said Vesta was rescued in the high seas while clinging on to a piece of wood morning of June 12 after being spotted by fisherman Ismael Artillero, of Barangay Puro, Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

The other eight were rescued around 2 p.m. also that day by brothers Eleno, 41, and Bartolome Tabigne, 46, who were fishing in the high seas off Magsingal, Ilocos Sur.

The Tabigne brothers were on their way home from fishing on high seas on board a motorized banca when they sighted said fishermen floating using the parts of their destroyed banca,” Partible said.

They were taken back to Pangasinan after being treated at the Magsingal District Hospital in Ilocos Sur, added Partible.

The survivors revealed they set out to sea to fish on the night of June 7, when their motorized banca was hit by big waves and wrecked to pieces night of June 9.