MECO chairperson Silvestre Bello III (PNA photo by Robert Alfiler)
MANILA – Two distressed Filipino fishermen from Batanes were rescued by the Taiwanese coast guard after getting lost in the high seas of Kaohsiung due to their boat's engine failure amid inclement weather on May 23.
Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairperson Silvestre Bello III said the crew of fishing vessel Man Sheng FA No. 6 saw the Filipinos distressed at sea, prompting them to report the incident to the Taiwan coast guard.
The fishermen, identified as Gerald Alarcado and Jenevis Alarcado, were rescued on May 24 after the Taiwan coast guard set up a perimeter around their boat until they were rescued, according to a news release.
Bello said the two are now housed at a shelter in Kaohsiung and would get repatriated to the Philippines after debriefing and processing of documentary requirements.
"We are truly grateful to all the officers and men of Taiwan who helped in their rescue," Bello said.
Taiwan is a self-governing island claimed by China. (PNA)
