ILOILO CITY — A search operation is ongoing for a man who went missing after their boat capsized in the waters of Carles, Iloilo on December 19.
The missing man was identified as Johncel Condello, 33, resident of South Gigantes Island, Carles, Iloilo.
Commander Lt. Ramil Palabrica of the Philippine Coast Guard- Iloilo said Thursday that joint teams of the Coast Guard Sub-station of the towns of Carles and Estancia are relentlessly conducting search and rescue operations for the missing man.
Palabrica said the victim together with two other men, Ricky Bolahado, 18 and Rowel Mahusay, 22 departed Tuesday around 10:00 a.m on board a motorized banca from Bancal Port bound for Nabunut Island when they were battered by strong winds and big waves.
Palabrica said that the capsized boat was owned by Fernan Hermogila who asked assistance from Coast Guard for the search of the missing man. The owner revealed that the boat was loaded with 15 boxes of crushed ice that the victims bought from the town proper.
While tropical storm “Vinta” is expected to pass parts of Iloilo and Negros in the coming days, Palabrica said that small fishermen were advised not to venture into the sea.
He added “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe” has been activated in preparation for the influx of passengers this holiday season.
Police assistance desks are active in ports and terminals to attend to the concerns of passengers. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
