Cop Missing After Falling Overboard During Patrol

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A policeman remains missing after falling overboard during a seaborne patrol operation on the evening of October 16 off the waters of Barangay Guiwanon, Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

An extensive search and rescue operation is underway to find Police Staff Sergeant Mechael Gatinao, a member of the Nueva Valencia Municipal Police Station.

According to police reports, a team led by Nueva Valencia police chief, Major Kennith Bermejo, was pursuing fishermen engaged in “palupad” fishing, which is illegal within the 15-kilometer radius from the shoreline, as it violates Section 95 of Republic Act 10654.

During the chase, Gatinao fell overboard while attempting to transfer to the suspects’ boat.

“They were chasing the illegal fishermen’s boat. He was about to board the suspects’ boat when he fell,” said Colonel Rhea Santos, Guimaras police chief.

Gatinao was last seen wearing a blue jacket, an olive green police shirt, and pixelated lower garments. He was carrying his service firearm, a Glock 9mm with serial number PNP1494, loaded with one magazine.

The officer was also in possession of a Galil Ace Bar 5.56mm rifle with serial number 48289804 and five loaded magazines.

Following the incident, the Guimaras Police Provincial Office (GPPO) alerted all PNP stations to coordinate with their respective Bantay Dagat units to join the search and rescue operation.

Nueva Valencia Mayor Paul Vincent Dela Cruz has directed fishermen in the area to assist in the search and personally joined the rescue efforts.

Santos reported that 12 boats have been deployed for the search and rescue operation, including a rubber boat from the Guimaras Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), a Bantay Dagat boat, a boat from the Philippine Coast Guard, and nine volunteer boats from nearby fishermen.