STA. CRUZ, Zambales, Philippines – Five fishermen from Riverside in Sta. Cruz are missing in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
They have not returned after going to the shoal on a banca marked Tabat Antalan last Nov. 13, fisherman Oscar Tabat Sr. told The STAR yesterday.
Two are his cousins Jacky Tabat and Jimmy Tabat, while the other three are Allan Rivera, Pepoy Aparise and Bimbo Requinto, he added.
Tabat said fishermen go to Scarborough Shoal to fish for a week and return home.
Quoting those who have returned home, Tabat said another banca also loaded with other fishermen accompanied the five, but that they got lost at sea due to big waves. The other fishermen arrived home last Nov. 23, he added.
Tabat said he has no more communication with the fishermen who weren’t able to return.
Celine Francisco, daughter of Tabat, asked the Coast Guard to use a helicopter to help locate the missing fishermen.