2 missing as boat sinks off Batangas

BATANGAS, Philippines — Two fishermen were reported missing after their motorized banca capsized in the waters off Tingloy town in this province on Monday.

Wilfredo Binay, 43, and Glenn Binay, 42, both of Barangay San Juan, went on a fishing expedition on board M/B Velocity at around 3:45 p.m.

Relatives said they received a distress call from the fishermen at around 5 p.m. saying their boat capsized near Barangay Makawayan.

The Tingloy police said Nicanor Mena, kagawad of Barangay San Juan, called to report the incident.

A search and rescue operation was launched by the local police, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and barangay officials.

Relatives said they could no longer contact the cell phones of the fishermen.

Kurt Aviado of the PCG-Batangas said that search and rescue operation is ongoing.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the boat sinking.