2 missing fishers from CamSur rescued in Babuyan Claro Island

By Oliver T. Baccay

Sunday 8th of July 2012

APARRI, Cagayan, July 8 (PIA) -- Two fishers from Camarines Sur, who were declared missing since May 31, were rescued in Babuyan Claro Island after 25 days floating in the Pacific Ocean.

Aurelio Anasco, 53, and Jerry Brancano, 32, both fishers from Camarines Sur said in an interview that they ventured out to the sea on May 31 to catch fish but typhoon “Butchoy” hit the area which resulted in very rough sea condition.

They further said that due to big waves, they were not able to go back to their province and they had no more fuel. They were rescued by the folks of Babuyan Claro Island, Cagayan which is already near Batanes province on June 27.

Lieutenant Senior Grade Lawrence Tamayo, commander, Philippine Coastguard-Aparri, said the barangay officials of the said island reported the rescue of the said missing fishermen. PCG officials picked up the two and brought to Calayan District Hospital for medical check-up.

Tamayo also said that they immediately referred the matter to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) region 2 for possibilities to send home the victims back to their families.

“We already coordinated with Civil Defense director Norma Talosig to explore possible ways to send home. I do hope that we can send them home the soonest possible time because their families are now waiting for them in Cam Sur,” Tamayo said.

The Office of the Civil Defense is now coordinating with its counterpart in region 5 to turn-over the victims when they will be sent back to their homes. OCD is looking forward to send home the two via plane.

Meanwhile, DSWD region 2’s crisis management intervention unit also conducted stress debriefing and submitted the two for further medical check-up. Imelda Decena of said unit stated that they will also assess other possible assistance to them.

Anasco, with eight children, and Brancano, with two children, expressed gratitude to the Almighty Father as they survived 25 days in the sea, eating only algae, raw fish, and wood. They also expressed gratitude to the officials of Babuyan Claro, PCG, OCD, and DSWD for extending support to them.

Tamayo advised them further to always follow warnings from the authorities such as gale warnings, typhoon bulletins, and others so that the incident will not be repeated. (OTB-PIA 2)