The fishing boat, F/V Liberty Cinco, collided with a cargo vessel from Hong Kong 15 miles off the shore of Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro. The F/V Liberty Cinco was scheduled to arrive at the Navotas Fishport around 10 a.m. on Sunday.
According to the owner of the fishing vessel, Irma Fishing and Trading Incorporated General Manager Fermin Soto, “Napakalaking yupi sa bandang kaliwa, gitna ng Liberty Cinco at may nakita rin na butas ang unahan ng cargo vessel. Malinaw po ‘yun o patunay na bumungga doon sa Liberty Cinco… Malinaw po na binunggo tayo. (There is a large dent on the left side and middle part of the Liberty Cinco and there is a hole on the front part of the cargo vessel which shows that the Liberty Cinco was intentionally hit.)”
The fishing boat was overturned and its passengers have gone missing.
14 Filipinos, including 12 fishermen and 2 passengers, on board the F/V Liberty Cinco are reportedly missing: 1. Capt. Jose Magnes Alfonso 2. Chief Mate Renante Dahon 3. Chief Engr. Reynil Magura 4. Asst. Chief Engr. Miguel Booc III 5. Oiler Joefrey Bantog 6. Oiler Jeerom Alaska 7. Master Hatchman Michael Flores 8. Jayson Vigonte 9. Adrian Robert Amogod 10. Bartolome Oab Jr. 11. Herbert Dalabajan 12. Reynald Riparip 13. Ariel Tabang 14. Eduardo Manipol.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is conducting a search and rescue operation for the victims. The PCG has also deployed two teams including BRP Boracay and an islander plane. The captain of the Hong Kong cargo vessel is in custody of the PCG.
PCG Spokesperson Commodore Arman Balilo disclosed that they have yet to ask about the weather condition when the incident happened and added that the captain of the vessel is “very cooperative.” The PCG has also coordinated with the ships in the area to get information on the incident.
Irma Fishing and Trading Inc. intends to file a marine protest and request for compensation for damages from the HK Cargo Vessel. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
