MANILA, Philippines – Eight fishermen were confirmed missing in Samar and Catanduanes due to tropical storm “Juaning,” the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday.
In its situation report, the NDRRMC identified the missing fishermen as: Pepito Gapol, Jade Gapol, Isagani Gapol and Coloy Gayda from Barangay (village) 01, Lawaan, Eastern Samar; Antonio Gamalo and Flor Gamalo from Barangay Taguite, Lawaan, Eastern Samar; Romeo Robles and Romeo Balamban from Barangay (village) Agban, Baras, Catanduanes.
Authorities are also confirming reports that three other fishermen from Barangay Sta. Barbara, Rapu-rapu, Albay, the NDRRMC.
A total of 50 passengers were also stranded in the ports of Matnog, Pilar in Sorsogon and in Pioduran port in Albay due to bad weather conditions.
Meanwhile, the NDRRMC has directed its regional offices to undertake precautionary measures and initiate pre-emptive evacuation in low-lying and maintain areas which are prone to flashfloods and landslides.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is implementing Memorandun Circular No. 01-09 (Guidelines on the Movements of Vessels during Inclement Weather) which states “vessels of 1,000 gross tons or below shall not sail, except to take shelter, when the PSWS No.1 is hoisted within its point of origin or route or point of destination. On the other hand, movement of vessels above 1,000 gross tons is left to the discretion and responsibility of the ship owner and master when PSWS No 1 is hoisted within its point of origin or route or point of destination.”
Also, PCG unit commanders in various ports nationwide have also been in close coordination with port authorities and shipping companies.