Four rescued from sunken boat

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Four persons, including a nine-month-old boy, were rescued after their boat was battered by strong waves afternoon of May 17, 2020 in the waters of Culasi, Antique.

Policemen identified the victims as Jenru Madamay, 25, and his live-in partner, 20-year old Rosalyn Biñas; their nine-month old son; and relative Evelyn Berdin, 18. All are residents of Sitio Banban, Brgy. Paciencia, Tobias Fornier.

Police Staff Sergeant Angelie Orfelia of the Tobias Fornier Police Station – Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) said the four are in stable condition.

Orfelia narrated that Madamay, Biñas, and Berdin sailed on a pumpboat to Barangay Bayo Grande in Anini-y town Sunday morning.

The three brought with them Madamay’s things and belongings which he needed for fishing.

While the area could be accessed by land, the victims claimed they decided to go by sea because they had no travel pass.

“They know that the two women won’t be granted a travel pass because of their age,” Orfelia.

Under the guidelines for general community quarantine, only persons aged 21-59 years are allowed to travel.

They sailed back to Barangay Paciencia but had to pass by Barangay Igdalagit, Tobias Fornier to fetch their son, who was in the care of Biñas’ parents.

At that time, the sea was already rough because of the bad weather.

While sailing, strong waves pummelled their pumpboat.

“Water started to fill the boat. They were also battered by strong winds,” Orfelia said.

The victims were just around 2 kilometers from their destination when the incident happened.

As their boat was about to capsize, they shouted for help.

A caretaker of the nearby Puntahagdan Beach Resort heard their plea and called for help at the local police station.

“There was already a heavy downpour when the team proceeded to the area and rescue them, together with some civilian volunteers,” Orfelia said.

Meanwhile, the Tobias PNP has appealed to the public to stay at home and follow protocol/procedures being implemented by the government for their own safety.