Navy Recovers Dead Body off Coco Island, Basilan

By JONG D. CADION

PAGADIAN CITY (April 2, 2018) – The Naval Forces Western Mindanao recovered a dead body of an unknown person floating along the vicinity off Coco, Lanhil, and Sibago Islands in Basilan, Sothern Philippines in the early morning of March 31, 2018.

Naval Forces Western Mindanao Commander Rear Admiral Rene V. Medina disclosed that while they conducting patrol and maritime operations, BRP Subanon (LC 291) spotted a floating body yards away from the ship at vicinity 3.8 Nautical miles Southeast off Coco Island, Basilan.

Commanding Officer Lt. Cmdr. Bernardo S Carpio PN, of BRP Subanon quickly manoeuvred his ship to retrieve the said cadaver.

The cadaver was retrieved by divers at around 07:14 a.m. and immediately brought to the ship for identification. As per initial assessment, the dead body is identified as male, about 5'7 tall and wearing green shorts and sleeveless red stripes shirt. It is said to have floated on water for at least 24 hrs, Rear Admiral Medina said.

The cadaver was transferred to Ensign Majini Pier at Naval Station Romulo Espaldon, Naval Forces Western Mindanao, Zamboanga City prior to turn over and further identification by proper authorities, the Navy Official added.

Moreover, a report was received by Lt. Cmdr. Cesar K Pangan Jr PN, Commanding Officer of 1st Boat Attack Division-Western Mindanao, that on March 25 a certain Mr Rolan Banua, employee of Lourdes Fishing Incorporated jumped off the vessel while on a fishing venture at vicinity North of Coco Island, Basilan.

The said floating body off Basilan waters is believed to be the reported missing crew of the said fishing company but still subject to confirmation by authorities.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao, under the command of Rear Admiral Rene V Medina AFP is confident that Team NavForWeM stands ready to render necessary assistance and services to the community in its areas of operations. “Rest assured that the Philippine Navy will remain responsive to similar situations in the future to be of service to the community and its constituents in the Western Mindanao region,” He said. (With PR from Naval Forces Western Mindanao- Public Affairs Office)