Search and rescue continues for 4 missing PCG personnel –Cagayan PDRRMO

Search and rescue operations were continuing for the four Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel who went missing during an operation in the Cagayan River on Wednesday, the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMO) said Sunday.

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, Cagayan PDRRMO head Ruelie Rapsing said the passengers onboard the tugboat who were supposed to be rescued by the PCG personnel were found alive in Camiguin Island.

However, the four PCG rescuers remained missing after the aluminum boat they were riding capsized in Aparri, Cagayan around 4 p.m. on July 26, due to the strong winds and big waves caused by Typhoon Egay.

“Nakita 'yung mga nasa tugboat na nawawala doon sa may Camiguin… ‘Yun ang balak sana i-rescue ng mga tauhan ng PCG. Sila ay napadpad sa Camiguin,” Rapsing said.

“Ang hinahanap ng search and rescue team ay itong apat na tauhan natin PCG ang hahanapin natin,” he added.

The Cagayan PDRRMO head said several search and rescue teams, along with those from the PCG, have joined forces to look for the missing rescuers.

PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armand Balilo said Thursday that two teams were deployed for the rescue, but only one team returned. The missing personnel were last seen holding onto the aluminum boat. — DVM, GMA Integrated News