Buenos Aires, Argentina – Waking up early today here in Buenos Aires I read the news about the three Pangasinan fishermen who were reported missing after their boat sank in the rough waters of the West Philippine Sea December 5.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that a Philippine Coast Guard vessel was dispatched but I believe this would not be enough to cover the vast expanse of the West Philippine Sea.
In view of this, I have issued an order to Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Eduardo Gongona to launch an aerial search for the three missing fishermen.
Here is my instruction to Undersecretary Gongona, a retired Coast Guard Commodore:
“Usec Eduardo Gongona, BFAR: I have sent you the link to the news item published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer about the missing fishermen in the West Philippine Sea.
“While I understand that the Philippine Coast Guard has already launched. search boat, I believe their capability to scour the area would be limited by the fact that one boat could not possibly cover the entire expanse of the ocean.
“You are, therefore, directed to immediately launch an aerial reconnaissance in the area using whatever available air assets, both government and private.
“Engage and hire small Cessna planes to ensure that the whole area is covered. You are authorized to use whatever funds are available and allowable to implement the search.”
Honestly, I do not know if the aerial search, late as it is, would be able to help find the missing fishermen but I issued the directive just the same to show to our fisher folks now that the administration of President Rody Duterte cares for its people.
Henceforth, it will be the policy of the Department of Agriculture through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources that all efforts will be undertaken to search and rescue fishermen in distress.
More Stories
Practical Farming: Turn Used Plastic Containers Into Life-Time Laying Nests!
Super Bulb Onion Grown In Alamada, North Cotabato
Kapehan With Pareng Gob