THREE Filipino fishermen were killed after a commercial vessel allegedly rammed into their boat on Monday near Scarborough Shoal, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday.
The PCG said one crew member recalled that FFB Dearyn was moored 85 nautical miles northwest of the shoal when the unidentified commercial vessel hit their boat around 4:20 a.m. on Monday.
“The mother boat submerged, resulting in the deaths of its three crew members, including its boat captain,” the PCG said.
“The 11 crew members who survived the maritime incident utilized their eight service boats to leave the vicinity waters and transport the deceased victims to Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan. They arrived around 10 a.m. yesterday, October 3, 2023, and reported the incident to the nearest Coast Guard sub-station for necessary assistance.”
In a statement, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he was “deeply saddened” by the deaths of the three fishermen and vowed justice for the victims.
“We are deeply saddened by the deaths of the three fishermen, including the captain of the fishing vessel. The incident is still under investigation to ascertain the details and circumstances surrounding the collision between the fishing boat and a still-unidentified commercial vessel,” Marcos said.
“We assure the victims, their families, and everyone that we will exert every effort to hold accountable those who are responsible for this unfortunate maritime incident,” he added.
Marcos also urged the public to “refrain from engaging in speculation in the meantime.”
“Rest assured that the government will provide support and assistance to the victims and their families,” the President said.
