The search and rescue operations for the missing fisherfolk on the island of Boracay continues, Interior Secretary Benjamin 'Benhur' Abalos said.
"I just met with the families of the two fishermen and we promised to continue the search. Gagawin po natin ang lahat upang matunton ang nawawala pang biktima,” he said in a press release on Friday.
Based on the initial report by Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, 64-year-old fisherfolk and Ati Tribe leader Ernesto Coching went missing after the fishing boat they were riding collided with a hotel speedboat and sank near Cagban Jetty port in Boracay Island at about 9:20 pm on Wednesday.
Coching's companion Ricky Valencia, 37, survived and was immediately brought to the nearest hospital.
Abalos had requested the assistance of diving shops and organizations as well as diving professionals in the search and rescue operation for the missing fisherfolk.
“Mas maraming divers, mas malaki ang tiyan ang makikita natin ang biktima,” he said.
Meanwhile, in an update on Friday, Abalos clad in swimming gear was seen joining the search.
