Missing Filipino fisherman in West Philippine Sea rescued
MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino fisherman who went missing near Rizal Reef in the West Philippine Sea has been rescued and is now safe, the Department of National Defense said Wednesday.
The fisherman identified as Freddy Apat was reported missing 45 nautical miles southeast of Rizal Reef last September 14.
"We are happy to note that the said fisherman, Mr. Freddy Apat, has been rescued by a Philippine fishing vessel and is now in Puerto Princesa City," DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement released Wednesday.
The Defense spokesman also recognized the Singapore Navy's Information Fusion Center (IFC) for sending out a general notice to all vessels in the area.
The IFC is a regional maritime security which facilitates information sharing and collaboration between partner organizations.
"The successful rescue of Mr. Apat highlights the importance of having mechanisms in place for information sharing and maritime cooperation with other countries, especially with our neighbors in the ASEAN," Andolong said.
Established in 2009, the IFC hosts international liaison officers from the United States, China, Australia, Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia.
In June 2017, the IFC offered its assistance to the Sulu Seas trilateral maritime patrol of the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia to combat maritime terrorism. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
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