DND says Singapore center helped rescue Filipino fisherman

September 19, 2018

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday emphasized the importance of the Information Fusion Center in Singapore on the rescue of a Filipino fisherman in West Philippine Sea.

“In addition to the Coast Guard vessels deployed to search for the missing fisherman, the Philippine government reported the incident to the Information Fusion Center (IFC) in Singapore, which in turn sent out a general notice to all vessels in the area,” it said.

“The IFC is a regional maritime security center hosted by the Republic of Singapore Navy which aims to facilitate information sharing and collaboration between partner organizations. We are happy to note that the said fisherman, Mr. Freddy Apat, has been rescued by a Philippine fishing vessel and is now in Puerto Princesa City,” it noted.

“The successful rescue of Mr. Apat highlights the importance of having mechanisms in place for information sharing and maritime cooperation with other countries, especially with our neighbors in the ASEAN,” it added.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) last Monday a report was received that Apat who was reported missing at 45 nautical miles southeast of Rizal Reef last Sept. 14, was  rescued by a fishing boat.

Capt. Armando Balilo, PCG spokesman, said the Coast Guard District in Palawan forwarded the information about the rescue of the fisherman to BRP Sindangan, Multi Role Response Vessel (MRRV-4407) thru satellite phone. It then fetched Apat from the fishing boat.

He said the MRRV was sent by the Coast Guard in Palawan to conduct search and rescue operation for the missing fisherman.

Balilo said thru satellite phone message, MRRV-4407 personnel informed Coast Guard District Palawan  they rescued the fisherman who was on their vessel around 7:31 pm of the same day.

Balilo said as of Wednesday,  Apat was PCG headquarters in Palawan and undergoing medical check-up.

“The PCG is arranging his transportation back to his province in Batangas,” he said. Robina Asido/DMS