LEGAZPI CITY -- At least 11 fishermen on board three fishing boats are missing on Thursday off the waters of Mercedes town in Camarines Norte, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol said.
A Mercedes Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) report said there were three groups of fishermen that went out to sea -- two went fishing Wednesday while the other sailed Monday.
Those missing were identified as Joel Ongog, Raymond Abalao, Jonathan Arcilla, Joseph Ferrer, Joey Todenio, Leonardo Ballon, George Lamadrid, Virgilio Borja, Roedlio Manzana, Erly De Castro, Rodolfo Manzaba, Jr. all residents of Barangay 4, Mercedes town.
The fishermen went fishing off the waters of Butawan, a fishing ground in Mercedes town, and were expected to return home Thursday. Search and rescue operations will be carried as the weather improves Friday, the MDRRMO said.
The MDRRMO also reported that a certain Junito Bender, 47, of Purok 3 Barangay 4, drowned and was recovered around 2 a.m. Thursday.
Disaster authorities said the victim's death was not typhoon-related since the victim was reportedly drunk when the accident occurred. (PNA)
