Celso remains hopeful on 3 missing fishermen
Mayor Celso Lobregat remains hopeful on the condition of the 3 fishermen from Mampang who were reported missing since July 6, as he directed law enforcement authorities to continue any and all search operations.
Lobregat yesterday morning had the chance of discussing the issue with military officials—Navy Vice Commander Rear Admiral Emilio Marayag, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command Chief Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, Western Mindanao Command Chief Brig. Gen. Ben Dolorfino and his deputy Col. Demy Tejares—who paid him a courtesy visit at City Hall.
The mayor said navy forces have also exerted efforts to locate the missing fisherfolks and that aircrafts were also sent to search and to comb the barangays where the 3 fishermen were last seen. “Unfortunately there was no sign of the three fishermen and there is no demand whatsoever”.
Lobregat said there are no indications of abduction but stressed that one of the angles being looked into is the weather condition at that time when the fishermen went missing. But, authorities continue to conduct the search and the operations expand to other areas.
“We are still hopeful though it has been three weeks (since they were reported missing). My order stands— to continue any and all search operations for the 3 missing fishermen,” the mayor said.
The three missing fishermen were identified as Edgar Barrera, 26; Jesus Alonzo, 30 and July Gapol, 22. The three are all residents of Mampang who went on fishing in Barangay Busay morning of July 6.
According to Lobregat forces from the Task Force Zamboanga and the City Police have been pursuing efforts to search the fishermen. “There is the intent to look for these fishermen and there will be no let up in the search operation”.
On the other hand, the chief executive hoped that people stop blaming the non-establishment of a military detachment in the island barangay to the disappearance of the fishermen.
The incident happened at mid sea, at night time and that no amount of military or police detachments could prevent the incident from happening, Lobregat added. (Sheila Covarrubias)