A 26-year-old consignee checker fell of an international cargo vessel and is still missing, as of Monday, February 23, 2026.

He fell off the ship at anchorage in the waters of Barangay Pooc, Talisay City, Cebu while he was climbing the stairs. 

He was climbing the pilot ladder on his way up the vessel to check cargoes past 9 a.m. on Friday, February 20.

The checker was identified as John Caryl Romano, 26 years old, a resident of Cebu City.

Crew members responded and reported the incident to the Philippine Coast Guard. Yet, Romano was not found. 

“Unfortunately paglukso nila wala na nila nakit-i ang biktima, kumbaga murag pagkahug niya ba, murag nadiretso kaunlod, we are not sure because we are still conducting an ongoing investigation but we are suspecting nga paghu'g niya ba, naigo siguro sya, then unconscious mao tong we did not see him nga nag-float or naglangoy-langoy. So that's the reason we also immediately deploy our divers,” said Captain Jerome Lozada, commander of Coast Guard Station Central Cebu.

Among those who helped are divers of the Special Operations Group of the Philippine Coast Guard Central Visayas. 

However, the operation was stalled afternoon on February 20 because of strong waves and current.

The operation resumed over the weekend, but Romano has remained missing.

The help of Bantay Dagat was also sought and fishermen from other areas for any spotting of a floating body.

Investigation is ongoing any possible persons or entities responsible for the incident.

“We are still investigating on this matter and then we cannot really say as to date kung naay accountability. If ever we will file negligence on the part of the crew or sa katong gigamit nga ladder nga iyang gisak-an. But up to now ongoing pa ang pag-conduct sa investigation kung there was negligence on the part sa vessel or kung asa man ang negligence," Lozada added.