Two ‘missing fishermen’ found safe in Cauayan

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The two fishermen, who reportedly went missing in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental last Tuesday, Dec. 14, were found alive in Barangay Linaon, Cauayan, Negros Occidental around 4 p.m. yesterday.

Based on the report received by Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Negros Occidental on Dec. 15, Joevel Tipon, 29; and Noel Dela Cruz, 19 were last seen in the waters of Pontevedra town in the province, and Guiwanon, Guimaras Tuesday afternoon.

But they failed to go home later that day.

Captain Ludovico Librilla Jr., head of PCG-Negros Occidental, said an advisory was issued on Dec. 13, prohibiting fishing venture on the provincial waters because of Typhoon Odette.

Librilla believed that these fishermen went fishing thinking that the weather was still fine that day.

Typhoon Odette entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early Tuesday night.

“Gina paiway gid sila anay mag fishing considering lain ang panahon,” he said.

Despite this, Librilla is hopeful that the two fishermen just took shelter in nearby areas due to rough seas.

All watercraft transiting in the said areas were advised to be on proper look-out and report to the nearest PCG station if the missing fishing vessel will be sighted.