8 fishermen missing off Panatag

INFANTA, Pangasinan, Philippines – Eight fishermen from this town reportedly went missing after fishing off Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal on Nov. 28, officials said yesterday.

Barangay Cato chairman Charlito Maniago said the eight fishermen-residents of his village were expected to return home last Friday.

Maniago said fellow fishermen last saw the eight on a three-ton fishing boat last Saturday battling strong waves in the area.

He added the Philippine Coast Guard has already deployed personnel to locate the missing fishermen.

He identified them as boat captain Pedro Amor, John Amor, Christopher Monje, Alfredo Bautista, Jumel Gamboa, Winijun Amor, Gerry Amor and Leonardo Mislang.

Maniago said the weather was still good when the eight sailed to Panatag Shoal. But a gale warning was hoisted last weekend in the area and left them stranded.

Maniago believed their boat possibly capsized.