LOST HOPE FOR THE MISSING FISHERMEN

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LOST HOPE FOR THE MISSING FISHERMEN

Kabalikat Bicol has lost its hope for the search and retrieval for the bodies of the 4 fishermen from Butawanan, Siruma, Camarines Sur who were missing exactly 1 month now due to Typhoon Nina.

The 4 fishermen reported missing since September 20, 2008 were: Randy Tatad, Manny Bueno, Ruben Rin, Jr. and Edlyn Jamito, all resident of Butawanan Island, Siruma, Camarines Sur.

It can be recalled that Mr. Jorge Monarca, owner of a fishing vessel MV Prince Joshua, reported the incident on September 23, 2008 to the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) Camarines Sur regarding the missing vessel.

Ms. Rowena Barzaga of the PSWDO of the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur coordinated with the Kabalikat Bicol and requested for the organization of rescue operations. PDCC provided the financial requirements of the operations.

KB Governor Jennis Nidea immediately called Irvin Ayo, PEC Chairman of KB Cam. Sur who immediately called for an emergency meeting.

Initially, King Besenio KB 30-36 was dispatch to coordinate with the LGU and PNP of Caramoan, Camarines Sur about the missing vessels which might have been carried away by the big waves to Caramoan seas.

Eventually a joint rescue team composed of Kabalikat members and the Coast was organized. The following composed the team:
1. PO2 Nilo Tañada of CG Sabang Partido, team Leader
2. PO2 Glenn General of CG Camaligan
3. CDR Pablo dela Rosa, Jr. KB 214-69,PCGA  
4. Bong San Andres KB 276-04
5. Joel Salcedo KB 429-20
6. Neil Celevante KB 276-47
7. LCDR Juan Luna, PCGA
8. LtSG Troy Benito, PCGA
9. CPO Larry Lim, PCGA

The rescue team left Wednesday, September 24, 2008 to conduct search and rescue offshore Caramoan, Garchitorena of Camarines Sur and Pandan, Caramoran and San Andres, all of Catanduanes.

The operation center set at the BSP Headquarters, continuously coordinated with Mayor Edna Bernal of San Miguel, Catanduanes who in turn requested the assistance of Governor Cua to alarm coastal barangays of Catanduanes for possible rescue or retrieval of fishermen.

Mayor Cordes of Caramoan likewise dispatch a team to check coastal barangays in his municipality.

Due to an approaching tropical storm Ofel which is just east of Catanduanes, the rescue team returned Friday evening of September 26, 2008.

Continued contact with LGU's of Garchitorena, Caramoan, and of the Province of Catanduanes however no positive response were reported.

Meanwhile, the reported 4 fishermen also missing from Mercedes, Camarines Norte at the same day the 4 missing fishermen from Siruma were reportedly, returned after 7 days of ordeal at the sea. They were carried by the huge waves to the Calaguas Group of Islands in Vinzons Camarines Norte. They were:
1. Gerard Opawe, Atimonan, Quezon
2. 2.Antonio Gomez, Atimaonan, Quezon ,
3. Ronnie Olivar, Mercedes, Cam. Norte
4. Richard Bombita, Mercedes, Cam. Norte

Mr. Monarca also said that the chances the fishermen could still be alive is when they were chanced upon by foreign fishing vessels particularly Taiwanese fishing vessels.

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