By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in the Western Visayas said they are not giving up hope on rescuing the two Bacolod City fishermen that went missing last week in the waters between Guimaras and Iloilo.

PCG-Western Visayas spokesperson, Lieutenant Commander Ramil Palabrica, said it is possible Rodel Despojo and Sixto Tiangao are still alive despite the search now entering its fifth day.

He said the two may have already been rescued by other fishermen but have not yet reported it to authorities.

Palabrica also urged residents and fishermen living along the coastlines of Negros and Panay to report to PCG if the pair are found.

Both Tiangao and Despojo went missing after their fishing vessel capsized when it was rammed by a roll-on/roll-off vessel.

A third fisherman, Lupin Desposo, was rescued by another passing vessel, and is already home in Bacolod City’s Barangay Punta Taytay after receiving medical treatment./DGB, WDJ