5 missing Pinoy fishermen found
MANILA, Philippines – Five Filipino fishermen reported missing in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in Masinloc, Zambales have been found, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said yesterday.
Jack Tabat, 44; Jimmy Tabat; 44; Jessie Aparreci, 29; Bimboo Requinto, 21; and Allan Rivera, 19, were reunited with their families in Riverside Lipay in Sta. Cruz town yesterday, said Cmdr. Armand Balilo, PCG spokesman.
Balilo said the fishermen left for Panatag on Antalan Tabat on Nov. 13. The boat encountered an engine problem on its way back on Nov. 21.
The fishermen said they used a machine installed on their boat to reach shallow waters around 56 nautical miles off Sta. Cruz town, where the crew of another fishing vessel spotted them and towed them to the port.
“We were lucky to see them because despite the typhoon, they still sailed,” Jack told The STAR.
The PCG earlier said it would seek the assistance of the Chinese Coast Guard to locate the fishermen.
Jack said they saw six Chinese ships near Panatag during their fishing expedition.
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