Crew members of Philippine fishing boat missing on Sulu waters

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (December 21, 2016) - Crew members of FB Ramona 2, a service-type vessel owned by Ramona Fishing Corporation, were declared missing at 2:30am yesterday off of Celebes Sea in the nearby Province of Sulu, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Major Filemon I. Tan Jr disclosed that the missing were Noel Besconde, the captain; Reyjim Rocabo, the Marine Diesel Mechanic (MDM); and crew members Roy Ramos and Roel Liones, residents of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

Accordingly, the last contact of the sister ship, FB Melissa 2, with FB Ramona 2 was at 3am of the same day.

FB Melissa 2 proceeded to the location of her sister ship at around 5am and found all crew members missing. The VHF Radio/GPS was stolen while other belongings are intact, Tan added.

The Joint Task Force Sulu already deployed forces to conduct search and the Naval Task Group Sulu was instructed to initiate appropriate action.

Meanwhile, the Joint Task Forces Tawi-Tawi and Basilan were also alerted to conduct patrols. Intel units are currently validating the said report.