27 Pangasinan fishermen missing in West Phil Sea

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan— Twenty-seven fishermen from Infanta town who went on a fishing expedition in the West Philippine Sea have not returned home for more than a week, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council said.

Avenix Arenas, PDRRMC spokesperson, told newsmen Infanta Mayor Ruperto Martinez reported missing were among the 30 who went fishing near the Scarborough Shoal west of Zambales from August 16 to 21.

The fishermen were expected to return home after a few days at sea.

But only three of them, reportedly led by one Roberto have managed to return before typhoon “Mina” struck the country.

Mayor Martinez confirmed that the three fishermen who managed to return home could not tell what had happened to their companions.

She said the PDRRMC already reported the matter to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and the National Risk Reduction Management Council and ask their help in the search for the missing fishermen.

Martinez hinted that the fishermen might have taken shelter right in the Scarborough Shoal, which they used to do during previous typhoons. -- PNA