A search and rescue operation is going on, as of posting time, to locate a policeman who fell off a sea vessel in Barangay Guianon, Nueva Valencia town in the Province of Guimaras.

The incident was reported to have happened at 8:30 p.m. on October 16, 2024 during an anti-illegal fishing operation of the local seaborne patrol.

The missing policeman was identified as Staff Sergeant Michael Gatinao, 42 years old, married, and has about 16 years service in the police force. He is a resident of Sitio Serum, Barangay San Nicolas, Buenavista town in Guimaras and assigned at Nueva Valencia Municipal Police Station.

According to Police Lt. Col. Cecilia Hulleza, chief of the Personnel and Human Resource Management Unit of Guimaras Police Provincial Office, the group was going after another boat engaged in alleged illegal fishing when the cop fell off the boat. 

Gatinao was last seen wearing a blue jacket, olive green police shirt, pants with impressions of pixelated design. He was carrying his service firearm, a Gloc 9mm, with serial number PNP1494, among other items. 

(via R. Tenorio, D. Estante/GMA Super Radyo Iloilo)