The two Filipino fishermen missing near the Scarborough or Panatag Shoal on Tuesday were rescued by the Chinese Coast Guard Thursday night, the Philippine Coast Guard said yesterday.
PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo said they received information Thursday night that fishermen Morrey Sierra, 45, and Lloyd Akeiot, 37, were rescued by the CCG.
Balilo said the PCG’s first multi-role response vessel BRP Tubbataha was directed to rendezvous with vessel CCG 3301 near Panatag, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, to effect the turnover of the two fishermen yesterday morning.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa China Coast Guard. Kahit na may ‘di pagkakaunawaan (sa territory) pero pagdating sa rescue OK sila,” he said.
According to the PCG, Sierra and Akeiot were onboard an unnamed motor banca when they went missing.
The PCG coordinated with the CCG in Bajo de Masinloc to conduct a search and rescue operation since they are always in the area.
PCG also issued a notice to mariners on the two missing fishermen. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)