Filipino fisherman missing after boat hit by unidentified vessel in Subic —PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is searching for a Filipino fisherman who went missing in the waters off Subic, Zambales after his boat was hit by an unidentified vessel. 

According to the PCG, brothers Robert and Jose Mondoñedo embarked from Barangay Wawandaue in Subic on July 1 to reach their payao—a "floating aggregate device" (FAD) used to attract fish—in the vicinity waters off Sampaloc Point. 

Robert said that their boat was hit by another vessel at around 3 p.m. on July 3, causing it to sink. The PCG described the incident as an allision—when a stationary vessel is hit by a moving vessel.

“47-year-old Robert Mondoñedo survived the incident but his brother, Jose Mondoñedo, remains missing,” PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessel BRP Sindangan hoists the FBCA John Robert out of the waters. Photo: PCG

The PPCG said Robert held on to the payao for three days until another fishing boat arrived in the area and rescued him on the morning of July 6. 

The PCG said that the Coast Guard Station in Zambales immediately issued a notice to mariners and local fisherfolk for possible sightings of Jose. 

“As per the directive of CG Admiral Gavan, the CGS Zambales investigates the allision report and gathers additional information regarding the incident for appropriate measures,” said Balilo. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News