19 Fishermen rescued after 11 days

MANILA, Philippines -- Nineteen fishermen from Surigao del Norte were rescued Monday after being adrift at sea for 11 days when their boat capsized at the height of Typhoon “Frank” (international codename: Fengshen).

Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), immediately directed the PNRC Eastern Samar Chapter to provide medical attention and assistance to the fishermen after learning of the rescue report filed by the Red Cross provincial office.

According to the report, the fishermen left Surigao del Norte on June 16 at the height of the typhoon. They were later found adrift at the vicinity of Borongan on July 1 by Erwin Encio, a fishing boat owner from Borongan City.
Gordon said he instructed his men to check the medical condition of the fishermen to make sure they were in good condition.

“These fishermen survived the wrath of Typhoon Frank. They have been through a lot of hardship and pain. They should be given proper medical attention to ensure their immediate recovery,” Gordon said.

Gordon identified the survivors as Cesar Gabato, Jegan Nillas, Rolito Barbatillo, Benigno Arias, Edsel Espenosa, Jay-Ar Pailden, Joselito Mahusay, Francis Allonar, Rodel Abule, Edmund Buhian Jr., Effren Rivales, Joel de la Cruz, Bambie Ramirez, Nelson Arsaga, Alexander Gabato, Gino Rendon, Rogelio Jalog, Marlon Gabato and Romeo Gecosa.

They were taken to the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital in Borongan City where they are now recuperating.

Gordon said the Red Cross had prepared food for the survivors and would shoulder their accommodations once they are discharged from the hospital.

PNRC Eastern Samar also coordinated with the PNRC Surigao del Norte Chapter to ensure that relatives of these fishermen are informed of their rescue.

19 fishermen rescued after 11 days
By Cynthia Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:27:00 07/02/2008
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