NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – Three people went missing after two small boats bound for Iloilo capsized in separate incidents in Negros Occidental on Saturday, October 17.
However, strong waves and heavy rains had hampered the search and rescue operations, said Lieutenant Commander Ramil Palabrica, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod, on Sunday.
Palabrica identified the victims as 46-year-old Joseph Perinal, who was onboard motor vessel Nonoy-jeg. The other two were identified as Manuel Tan, who is believed to be 50 to 60 years old, and his relative, Rosalier Tan, 40.
All 3 were from Concepcion town, Iloilo.
Palabrica said that the boats capsized while they were on their way home to Iloilo from Negros Occidental. Perinal came from Victorias City, while the Tans came from Cadiz City.
Palabrica said that the weather bureau issued a gail warning 5 am Saturday and had advised small fishing vessels not to venture out to sea due to bad weather.
Perinal arrived in Victorias City 12 pm to sell assorted fruits. He was able to contact his wife, Imelda, and informed her that his motorized banca had capsized off the waters of Bagongon Island, Concepcion, at around 11 pm, Palabrica said.
That was the victim’s last contact, he added.
On the other hand, the Tans were working as contractors for a bamboo house, owned by businessman Vladimir Gonzales, in Lakawon Island, Cadiz City.
Gonzales, who was a vice mayoralty candidate in Bacolod City under the National Unity Party, said that the missing workers left the island at around 3:30 pm but weren’t able to return home.
He said that some of his workers, including the two missing, sailed on the 3 motorized bancas for Concepcion in spite of the bad weather conditions but only two arrived.
He said that he is praying that his people are safe.
Meanwhile, Palabrica said that the search and rescue operations were called off Sunday due to bad weather, brought by Typhoon Lando.
He said that search and rescue will resume as soon as the weather improves. – Rappler.com