NEWS BITS

2 fishermen missing at Ilocos Sur waters

By Freddie Lazaro

SANTIAGO, Ilocos Sur – Two fishermen were reported missing after failing to return from a fishing trip in the West Philippine Sea on Dec. 26.

Police identified the two missing fishermen as Nilo Etrata, 36, and resident of Barangay Gabao, Santiago town and Gerald Tadena, 41, a resident of Barangay San Roque alsom in Santiago.

Barangay Gabao Chairman Ruben Elefante on Friday fishermen the two missing fishermen set sail on December 26 at around 5 a.m. on board a white and blue motorized banca with the markings Ivan/Ayessa.

Elefante said that large waves and strong winds were prevailing in the area when the fishermen ventured out to sea.

Red tide alert still up in Pampanga

By Ding Cervantes

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga — The shellfish ban in Pampanga remains, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) alerted the public last week.

Shellfish samples collected from coastal waters of Bataan and Pampanga tested positive from paralytic shellfish poison, the BFAR said.

“Tahong, talaba and halaan as well as alamang are affected by the... red tide toxin,” the BFAR said.

Fish, crab, shrimp and squid are safe for human consumption provided they are fresh, washed thoroughly and internal organs are removed before cooking.

The red tide alert in the two provinces were issued last Nov. 24.

Iglesia Ni Cristo minister,brother electrocuted

By Liezle Basa-Iñigo and Freddie Lazaro

NAGUILIAN, Isabela -- An Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) minister and a member were electrocuted inside the (INC) Chapel here at Barangay Minanga.

Isabela Provincial Police Office identified the victims as Dennis Dagman, 21, an INC minister, and his brother Mark Rendy Dagman, 18, student, both residents of Barangay Manaring, Naguilian, Isabela.

Reports said Mark Benidict Topinio discovered the lifeless bodies of the victims, saying both the victims’ feet were touching a steel pole that was connected to a live electric wire.

Probers said both victims were fixing electric water pumps inside the INC Chapel where Dennis might have been the first to be electrocuted.

It was believed that Mark Rendy tried to help his brother but was, himself, electrocuted at around 12:30 p.m. Dec. 28.

The victims were brought at Carbonel Funeral Home Naguilian, Isabela for post mortem examination by the municipal health officer of Naguilian Isabela.