SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique –The inclement weather due to the enhanced southwest monsoon delayed the search and rescue (SAR) operation of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) for the remaining seven missing passengers of the motor banca that capsized on August 26.
“The bad weather deters the deployment of the PCG assets and personnel, but we continue to monitor the coastal areas,” said BRP Kalanggaman commanding officer, Capt. Godofredo Vagilidad, in an interview on Monday.
The PCG remains hopeful the seven could be found as they continue to monitor the coastal areas.
Two motor bancas carrying a total of 20 passengers capsized while en route to Caluya town, Antique province, from Boracay, Aklan province, on August 26. Ten were rescued, while three died.
Vagilidad also cautioned the public and motor banca owners to always inform their barangay officials and the PCG before heading out to sea.
“I appeal for the public to inform your barangay officials and the PCG before going on an outing so we would know where to locate you in case there would be a similar incident that happens,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Antique provincial board handed a resolution to Vagilidad and his personnel for performing their mission despite the rough waves during the SAR operation.
The resolution, authored by Board Member Pio Jessielito Sumande Sr., was approved during the regular session of the provincial board on Monday.
Also commended were the 15 other officers and non-officers of the BRP Kalanggaman who took part in the search and rescue. (PNA)