ORION, Bataan — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) rescued two elderly fishermen off this town on Monday, July 7, a day after they were reported missing at sea.

The fishermen, identified as Crispin Mendoza,70, and Rogelio Pascual, 71, both of Barangay Lusongan, Orion, reportedly went out fishing Sunday despite bad weather.

CGS Bataan Station Commander Michael John Encina said in a statement that the rescue was undertaken following reports of their disappearance on Sunday. The two were last seen operating their motorized banca in the vicinity of Pilar, Bataan.

Encina said the CGS Bataan immediately activated its search and rescue (SAR) team aboard the 24-meter PCG fast patrol boat BRP Boracay (FPB-2401) and coordinated with the families of the missing individuals.

At around 9:45 AM on Monday, the two missing fishermen were spotted holding on to their half-submerged fishing vessel, roughly 4.7 nautical miles northeast by east of Orion, Bataan.

The Coast Guard SAR team facilitated the rescue mission and by 9:50 AM, the rescued individuals were safely brought aboard and provided with assistance.

BRP Boracay then proceeded to the Port of Capinpin in Orion where the CGS Bataan, Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Orion, and the fishermen’s families were waiting.

The two fishermen received immediate medical attention upon arrival on land and were transported to the rural health unit at Barangay Wawa, Orion, for further evaluation and medical observation.

The CGS Bataan said the successful operation served as a clear demonstration of the PCG’s unwavering dedication, operational preparedness, and inter-agency coordination in fulfilling its mandates. 