2 Negrense fishermen return home to Sipalay

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – The two fishermen who were rescued in Zamboanga del Norte last Monday returned home to Sipalay City, Negros Occidental yesterday.

Executive Assistant Dionilo Bogtae, head of the Public Safety and Sipalay Emergency Assistance and Rescue Services (SEARS), personally fetched Alexander Alagao, 73; and Rico Norquia, 57, both residents of Barangay 5, at the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) office in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.

The two fishermen survived at sea while on board a damaged pump boat for five days. They only had water to consume as their food only lasted for a day.

They were sighted by some residents at the waters in Sta. Maria, Siocon town in Zamboanga del Norte on February 22 after they were reported missing on February 18.

The duo ran into trouble after their fishing boat engine conked out last week.

Bogtae said the two fishermen will again be subjected to medical examination and swab tests before they can reunite with their families.