Search and rescue ops ongoing for fisherman who went missing in Scarborough

Search and rescue operation is ongoing for a fisherman who supposedly went missing within the vicinity of the Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea, the Philippine Coast Guard said Monday.

Reports reaching PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo identified the missing fisherman as 42-year-old Luz Piliin of Barangay Mangan Vaca in Subic, Zambales.

Reports said Piliin was initially part of FB Renz Ronel. On July 26, he was tasked to conduct a survey, using a smaller boat, on an area where fishermen can fish.

The PCG said Piliin had encountered big waves and strong winds and that he had failed to return to the larger boat. Other fishermen failed to rescue him due to inclement weather.

PCG vessel BRP Malabrigo was already dispatched Saturday to assist in the search and rescue operations. The PCG Islander was also prepared to help in locating the fisherman.—AOL, GMA News