Five fishermen were reported missing in the coastal waters of Antique province’s island municipality of Caluya after setting off from Barangay Tinogboc on February 25.

“The five fishermen were on their way to the Caluya mainland from Barangay Tinogboc when the incident happened,” Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Broderick Train said in an interview yesterday, adding their office was informed by their local counterpart.

Those missing were identified as Niño Marlo, 27 years old; Ryan Egina, 25 years old; Randy Paz, 42 years old; Wilfredo Ysug, 23 years old; and Darwin Zapra, age unknown.

However, it is uncertain if the fishermen were on their way to the mainland for personal errands or set out to catch fish. “Family members of the fishermen reported to the Municipal DRRMO wondering why the fishermen were not able to return home a day after they left their barangay. A search and rescue operation [SAR] was conducted immediately,” Train added.

The rough seas due to the northeast monsoon experienced in Barangay Tinogboc, which is about three to four hours away from the mainland of Caluya, were suspected to have capsized the fishermen’s motorized banca.

The local SAR operation was temporarily halted because of the turbulent sea but will resume once the sea condition improves.

“We [PDRRMO] advise other fishermen to be extra cautious when they go out to the sea to prevent any incident from happening,” Train said.

He also appealed to residents along the coastal communities to immediately report to their office if they happen to see the missing persons. (PNA)