The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has assisted two fishermen who were reported missing on 15 December 2021 while on a fishing venture at the vicinity waters off Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.

The missing fishermen who failed to return home were identified as 29-year-old Joevel M Tipon and 19-year-old Noel Dela Cruz – both residents of Sitio Pasil, Barangay Enclaro in Binalbagan.

At around 04:00 p.m. yesterday, 16 December 2021, the PCG Sub-Station Hinigaran received information that the missing fishermen were drifted near the coastal waters of Purok 2, Barangay Lina-on Cauayan, Negros Occidental.

They were sighted by 37-year-old Rolando Tawtawan, a fisherman, approximately one kilometer away from the shoreline of the said barangay. Immediately, the PCG team proceeded to the incident area to provide necessary assistance.

The investigation conducted by the PCG Sub-Station Cauayan revealed that Tipon and Dela Cruz encountered engine trouble while underway to the shoreline of Binalbagan.

The rescued fishermen were in good physical condition when they were turned over to their families.

The PCG further advised residents and fishermen to not venture into the sea during inclement weather to avoid untoward maritime incidents.