BACOLOD CITY – The two fishermen from Sipalay City, Negros Occidental, who stayed adrift at sea for five days and were later rescued off the coast of Zamboanga del Norte, were able to return home on Thursday.
They were identified as Alex Alagao, 72, and Rico Norquia, 52, both residents of Barangay 5.
Executive Assistant Dionilo Bogtae, the city’s head for Public Safety and Sipalay Emergency Assistance and Rescue Services, told the Philippine News Agency (PNA) that he picked up the two from the Philippine Coast Guard Station in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental.
The fishermen arrived at the station from Zamboanga del Norte at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday, said Commander Jansen Benjamin, head of PCG-Negros Oriental.
Bogtae was able to talk to Alagao and Norquia over the phone after they were rescued by fellow fishermen in Barangay Balagunan, Siocon town on Monday afternoon.
They went fishing aboard the pump boat “Bestfriend” on the afternoon of Feb. 17 and the following day, they informed the local disaster unit that they encountered engine trouble about five nautical miles off the coast of Sipalay.
The planned rescue operation in the afternoon of Feb. 19 was hindered by strong waves and rough seas due to the incoming storm.
Alagao and Norquia stayed adrift and tried to survive with limited food supply until their damaged fishing boat was swept towards the shore of Zamboanga del Norte on Feb. 22. (PNA)