9 missing as waves batter fishing vessel

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Nine fishermen were reported missing while two others survived when waves battered and destroyed their vessel as they were sailing off the coast of Barobo town in Surigao del Sur on Tuesday, officials reported yesterday.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and municipal police identified the survivors as Reslon Boster and Arnel Salem, both of Barangay Poblacion.

Police Officer 2 Danilo Camingue said the survivors managed to swim to shore.

 “We don’t know what happened to our companions. Maybe they are still there, waiting for rescue,” Salem said.

The two said they left Barobo to fish near the Pacific Ocean on Aug. 8.

Eight of the nine fishermen were identified as Avelino Resola, 50; Rudy Urbiztondo, 48; Arnold Camene, 45; Richard Baslot, 35; Arcadio Jamisola, 31, Junie Campos, 27; Glenn Resola, 23, and Arwin Jamisola, 23, all of Barangay Poblacion Barobo.