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| (Photo by Philippine Navy) |
LAPU-LAPU CITY (PR) — Navy vessel BRP Alfredo Peckson (PC372), skippered by Lieutenant Commander John Paul P Acio PN rescued two local fishermen together with their capsized bangka at the vicinity of San Pedro Bay along seawaters of Basey, Samar, Tuesday afternoon of May 4, 2021.
At around 4 o’clock in the afternoon on May 4, while PC 372 was conducting maritime security patrol at the vicinity of San Pedro Bay along seawaters of Basey, Samar, duty lookout saw two unidentified civilians waiving/asking for assistance and showing in distress.
PC 372 immediately responded and rescued the two victims, gave them dry clothes and food upon boarding the ship. They also retrieved the capsized Bangka and is currently being rebuilt by the crew.
During the interview, it was found out that the boat used by the survivors capsized due to unfavorable sea conditions. The survivors were identified as Mr. Alberto A Ellema, 78 years old, and his brother Mr. Guillermo A Ellema, 74 years old, both residents of San Antonio, Basey, Samar.
The said victims were turned over to the Tacloban City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Unit headed by Mr. Louie Niño S Dela Rosa for further medical check-ups and proper disposition.
The successful rescue operations of PC372 portrays the commitment of the Philippine Navy to act on incidents and emergency situation in our Philippine territorial waters in accordance with humanitarian obligations for vessels in distress at sea. (PN)