Navy rescues missing fisherman in Pangasinan

A fisherman reported missing since January 29 in Pangasinan has been rescued, the Philippine Navy's Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) said.

Rescued was Teodolo Silab, 59, a resident of San Fernando City in La Union.

Silab went missing on Wednesday while fishing in the Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan, his wife Leticia said.

NFNL commander Commodore Caesar Bernard Valencia directed Naval Task Force 11 to use all naval and air assets to search for Silab.

A search and rescue operation was conducted in Sual by Patrol Boat PB 322 of 1st PB Division.

The fisherman was rescued on Friday at 2 p.m. by fishing banca Queen Anielyn 2 which was skippered by Rodrigo Encio from Sual, Pangasinan.

Encio said his crew saw Silab standing on top of his capsized banca.

Silab later said he was fishing about 13 nautical miles off Aringay, La Union when his 26-foot long banca capsized due to tall waves around 2 p.m. of Wednesday.

The fisherman was assisted by the crews of Queen Anielyn 2 and the Navy and Philippine Coast Guard Detachment Naval in Sual.

He was later brought to the Ilocos Training Regional Medical Center in San Fernando City, La Union for medical checkup.

Valencia commended those who helped rescue the missing fisherman.

“The successful recovery of the missing fisherman was the result of non-stop searching of concerted efforts by the Philippine Navy with other concerned agencies and civilian local fishermen. The PN when called upon to respond to various situations and emergencies, ensures to respond promptly and competently," he said. —KG, GMA News