Search continues for 7 missing fishermen in West Philippine Sea

Search and rescue operations are still being conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard for the seven fishermen who have been missing for 11 days in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

According to a report by Jun Veneracion on 24 Oras, the coast guard used an Islander Plane in efforts to locate Captain Alberto Roldan, Roderick Montemayor, Homar Malantay, Ejay Dela Cruz, Jerome Maglantay, Larry Legaspi and Jefferson Bernabe in the West Philippine Sea.

The fishermen left Pangasinan on January 6 onboard F/B Narem 2.

Based on reports received by the coast guard, the boat capsized afte being hit by big waves.

"Medyo mahirap po, Sir, kasi medyo malaki ang paghahanapan natin na lugar ng mga nawawala nating mangingisda," Coast Guard Aviation Force commander Captain Philip Soria said.

Authorities also checked a place called the Norte, which has hideouts for fishes, as well as Scarborough Shoal.

Three Chinese boats were seen stationed 15 nautical miles away from the shoal.

"So far, mula sa paglipad natin hanggang sa pag-ikot natin para hanapin ang mga mangingisda wala po tayong na encounter na challenge mula sa mga kaibigan natin sa China Coast Guard,” Soria said.

Though the plane flew around twice, they saw no signs of the missing fishermen.

"I hope this is one of the miracle stories na we can solve. Sana makita natin," Charlie Rances, the Coast District Northwestern Luzon commander, said.

Despite failed operations, the wife of one of the missing fishermen held on to hope.

"Masakit dahil hindi pa po nakikita yung asawa ko po atsaka mga kasamahan niya sa laot," Evelyn Montemayor said.

Aside from aerial search, government boats are also conducting search and rescue operations. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News