Fisherman remains missing after alleged 'giant manta ray attack'

Fifty-one-year-old fisherman Panfilo Tandog Jr. remains missing off the shore of Barangay Tigom in Buruanga, Aklan, after a manta ray allegedly pulled his boat underwater, according to Emil Sumangil's report on 24 Oras, Thursday.

According to his wife, Elma Tandog, they found the boat upside down by intact. Several fishermen tried to drag Panfilo's boat back to shore but they did this with much difficulty.

Buruanga Philippine National Police (PNP) Police Officer III Rustom Dagui said, "Noong nahila nila, anim na bangka, tulong-tulong sila, isang malaking manta ray ang nasa likod."

Dagui, who was part of the search and rescue operation, said, "Noong nag-rescue kami doon sa laot, habang hinihila ang bangka, nakikita ko 'yung manta ray, ang laki talaga. Ten feet 'yung widespread niya ng ano, 'yung diameter ng manta ray na 'yun."

Elma described the creature and said, "Itim siya na parang plywood na lumilipad. May sungay 'yun, dalawa. Tapos mahaba ang buntot."

"'Yung bangka niya may lubid 'yun hanggang ilalim, anchor niya. Tapos 'yung malaking manta ray sumabit sa lubid," Dagui said. "Pumulupot 'yung isda, 'yung manta ray sa lubid. Sa sobrang laki ng manta ray na 'yun, hinila ang bangka hanggang sa malunod. Hinila ang bangka pa ilalim hanggang sa lumubog 'yung bangka."

The PNP and coast guards of Buruanga Municipal Rescue Team are working hand in hand to find Panfilo. — Kaela Malig/BAP, GMA News