By JEN BAYLON

Four fishermen reportedly missing by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) last week have been rescued.

PCG Northern Negros Commander Jansen Benjamin said 33-year-old Robin Fajardo and 50-year-old Jose Carlo Judrial, both residents of Negros Occidental’s Valladolid town, were rescued by a trawling vessel off the coast of Silay City.

They had been missing since October 25, after embarking on a fishing trip from Sitio Sagua Banua between Pontevedra town and Guimaras province.

Benjamin said their boat capsized due to strong winds and big waves.

Their families informed PCG that they were missing when they failed to go home that day.

They were rescued on Saturday, October 26, after several hours of clinging on to a floating object.

Benjamin said Fajardo and Judrial felt weak after they had not eaten for almost 24 hours while at the sea.

Meanwhile, 22-year-old Joren Parochil and his 17-year-old companion were also rescued at Barangay Naboctot in Masbate province’s Placer town, after being reported missing on Thursday, October 24.

Benjamin said their pump boat’s motor suddenly failed and drifted to an island in Masbate amid strong winds and rough seas.

They survived despite not having food and water on their boat.

It was noted that the two fishermen had not returned as expected, prompting concerns about their safety.

The PCG coordinated with counterparts in Iloilo and Bantayan to expedite search efforts, and sought assistance from local mariners to locate the missing fishermen./JB, WDJ