By Brian Campued
The Philippine Coast Guard on Friday expressed its gratitude to the United States Navy for rescuing three Filipino fisherfolk who were found adrift in the West Philippine Sea, or approximately 50 nautical miles west of Bolinao, Pangasinan, on New Year’s Day.
In a report, the US 7th Fleet said its USNS Cesar Chavez—which regularly conducts logistics and resupply operations across the region—was transiting the area around 12:45 p.m. when watch standers spotted the distressed fishing boat.
Upon alerting the bridge, the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship deployed a rigid-hulled inflatable boat to rescue the fisherfolk and assess their condition.
The fishermen said that they had departed the port on December 27, 2025, but their motorbanca encountered engine trouble and was struck by strong waves, causing their boat to submerge on December 28.
They survived for several days on rationed food and water until their rescue.
The U.S. immediately notified the Philippine government of the safe return of the Filipino fisherfolk to their homes.
“The PCG extends its gratitude to the USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) for its timely humanitarian assistance and reiterates its commitment to safeguarding the safety of Filipino fisherfolk at sea,” the PCG said in a news release.
It highlighted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to nurture partnerships with international counterparts in ensuring maritime safety and responding to incidents at sea.
The PCG facilitated the turnover of the rescued fisherfolk—who are all residents of Sitio Pocdol, Barangay Cato in Infanta, Pangasinan—at Riviera Pier in Olongapo City, Zambales on Friday.
-jpv
