SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — A US Navy vessel en route to the Subic Bay Freeport has rescued three fishermen some 63 nautical miles west northwest of Cape Bolinao off the province of Pangasinan on January 1.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Senior Deputy Administrator Ronnie Yambao, the USNS Cesar Chavez was on its way to Subic Bay Freeport when the crew spotted three fishermen who appeared distressed, prompting them to bring the latter on board for first aid assistance. 

The rescued fishermen were identified as Michael Lebios, 52 years old; Michael John Lebios, 29 years old, (son of Michael); and Lotjun Lupague, 32 years old, all of whom are residents of Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan. 

Yambao also said the SBMA and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), together with other concerned government agencies, also responded to the call of USNS Cesar Chavez.

The US ship arrived at the Port of Subic on January 2, and immediately turned over the three fishermen to the SBMA Public Health and Safety Department (PHSD) for proper medical assessment and documentation. 

According to the U.S. 7th Fleet Public Affairs, the Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) rescued three fishermen at approximately 12:45 p.m. on January 1.

USNS Cesar Chavez conducts routine logistics and resupply missions in support of the U.S. 7th Fleet. 

The fishermen reported that their vessel’s engine flooded on December 28 due to heavy seas, leaving them adrift. They had departed port on December 27 and survived on rationed food and water before being located by Cesar Chavez.

The United States coordinated with Philippine government officials to return the fishermen safely to the Republic of the Philippines.

“Professional and vigilant watch standing procedures enabled the crew to locate and recover the distressed fishermen quickly and safely,” the 7th Fleet Public Affairs added.

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman and Administrator Engr. Eduardo Jose L. Aliño lauded the joint efforts of the USNS crew and government units involved in the rescue operation, citing that the government is working round-the-clock to help local fisherfolks and ensure their safety within the waters of the West Philippine Sea.

Closely working in tandem with the PCG, the SBMA has been actively involved in several rescue operations of distressed fishermen within and off the coastal waters of Subic Bay. 

To name a few, there was the rescue of 58-year-old Caesar Broñola after his motorized boat capsized near the West Breakbulk Head Marine Terminal Naval Supply Depot (NSD) due to rough sea conditions.

Another was the rescue of 28 fishermen from Zambales who were successfully towed back to Subic after their vessel, FB Ervy 8, suffered engine failure nearly 200 nautical miles offshore on November 3, 2025.

On July 26, 2025, a missing 52-year-old fisherman from Pangasinan, Rodolfo Montes, was rescued by a cargo vessel (MV Shin Line 10) and was turned over to the SBMA and PCG.

Just last month, 11 fishermen were rescued by the PCG, assisted by SBMA, after their boat experienced propeller failure while traveling from Subic to Capones Island. 

Concerned authorities have coordinated for the transport and turnover of the three fishermen to the local government of Infanta, Pangasinan and their families. 