PR
October 17, 2020, Camp Bautista, Jolo, Sulu – Amidst the bad weather being experienced in Sulu Sea for the past two days, the Naval Task Group Sulu rescued five (5) individuals at about 7:40 AM today after their motorized boat capsized last October 16 in Patikul waters.
Heeding to the report of municipal officials of Patikul, Sulu wherein one (1) motorized boat with marking “FV OK LNG” had capsized in Patikul waters due to bad weather last October 16, 2020, the Naval Task Group Sulu under the Command of Col Ruben B Candelario PN (M) immediately dispatched its Multi-Purpose Attack Craft (MPAC) BA 493 to conduct search and rescue operations in the general vicinity of the Sulu Sea. After almost seventeen (17) hours of search operations to rescue the six (6) passengers of the ill-fated boat, naval personnel of NTG Sulu were able to save five (5) passengers at the vicinity of Bacungan and Panganaa islands of Brgy Bonbon, Patikul, Sulu.
“We were able to rescue 5 adult males from Brgy Tanjung, Indanan, Sulu namely, Kaisar Pulalon, Judimar Pulalon, Alvin Pulalon, Rene Pulanon, and Alnaser Hadjirul. They were directly brought to the nearest wharf in Brgy Tando Batu, Luuk for immediate medical care by the Rural Health Unit of said municipality. We are still searching for Arman Pulalon, the last remaining passenger. These individuals are local fishermen from Indanan, Sulu who came to Patikul waters amid heavy rains to fish.” said Col Candelario.
“I commend the personnel of NTG Sulu/4th Marine Brigade for the successful search and rescue operations. In close coordination with the LGUs of Patikul and Luuk, we are still searching for the last remaining fisherman in the coastal waters of both municipalities. I have high hopes that Arman Pulalon will survive the tragedy. The naval assets of Joint Task Force Sulu under the direct control and supervision of Naval Task Group Sulu are still on dispatch for search and rescue operations.” said MGen William N Gonzales, the Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu.
“As part of our mandate in securing the people of Sulu province, we are capable of conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief or HADR operations utilizing all of our Naval, Air, and Ground assets. The JTF Sulu is always ready to serve, save lives, and protect properties.” MGen Gonzales added.
