Despite strong waves, authorities launched a search and rescue operation for a fisherman who went missing on September 11, 2024 after he went out to sea in Manticao, Misamis Oriental.

According to the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) of Manticao, the fisherman identified as Leo Tecson told his children that he would go fishing at the Panguil Bay.

But Tecson has not returned home since, prompting his family to seek assistance from authorities.

“Dili man gud ni siya first time nahitabo kay tatay sa mga previous incidents mahutdan sila gasolina or madaotan ug makina ang buhaton niya ihikot lang gyud nila sa payaw ilang pumpboat di nana sila mo irog kay kabalo sila nga after 24 hours dili sila makauli pangitaon sila sa ilang kauban,” Manticao MDRRMO Officer-In-Charge, Divina Suson, said.

“In fact, ang mga kauban niya nga mga mananagat wala na gyud ni lawod gi tambagan sya nga ayaw na pa alang alang kay naa raba LPA,” Suson added.

Authorities believe that Tecson’s fishing boat may have been damaged by strong waves as his alleged fishing net was retrieved near the waters of Initao town, approximately 90 kilometers from the Panguil Bay area.

On the third day of operation, MDRRMO asked the assistance of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. However, the team encountered challenges due to strong waves.

“Samtang dili pa mo surrender ang pamilya, dili pud ta mo hunong sa LGU pag deploy sa mga resources,” she added.