West PH Sea: Zambales fisher safe days after going missing near Panatag

Rescued fisherman Roberto Alvior of Barangay Calapandayan, Subic is turned over to the Philippine Coast Guard vessel BRP Cape Agustin on Monday, Aug. 25. He was found by fellow fishermen after he went missing for days near Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. (Photo courtesy of PCG)

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales, Philippines — A fisherman who went missing for several days near Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in the West Philippine Sea was rescued on Monday, Aug. 25.

Commander Euphraim Jayson Diciano, chief of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Zambales, identified the fisherman as 53-year-old Roberto Alvior of Barangay Calapandayan, Subic town. He was found by fellow fishermen aboard FFB Chief Iver in the waters off Capon Grande.

Alvior left on August 18 with 11 other crew members of the mother boat FFB Deicy G for a fishing trip. After a 24-hour voyage, they reached their fishing grounds about 35 nautical miles (65 kilometers) east of Scarborough Shoal. Six service boats were deployed for fishing operations.

READ: Zambales fishers seek safe seas beyond Panatag

However, on August 22, Alvior failed to return to the mother boat. The skipper launched a search and reported the incident through VHF radio, which was received by PCG vessel BRP Cape Agustin. A search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched.

Unfavorable sea conditions forced the BRP Cape Agustin to escort the mother boat back to Subic on August 23, while Alvior remained missing. He was later found by the crew of FFB Chief Iver and turned over to the PCG vessel. He is expected to arrive in Subic Bay on Monday.

For generations, Scarborough Shoal served as a storm shelter for fisherfolk across Luzon, offering refuge in its protective lagoon. Since 2012, however, Chinese Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels have blocked Filipino fishermen’s access, often subjecting them to harassment, intimidation, and even water cannon attacks.

READ: West PH Sea: No threats to Filipino troops ‘at this time’ – Teodoro

Despite these challenges, Diciano said Filipino fishermen continue to sail into the West Philippine Sea, both to provide for their families and to assert the country’s sovereignty.

“Fishermen like Mr. Roberto Alvior brave uncertain seas not for recognition, but for the simple duty of providing for their families,” Diciano said. “His rescue is a reminder that true heroism is often quiet—found in the daily risks taken by those who guard our waters through their very livelihood.”

He added: “Our role as Coast Guards is also to protect these fishermen who put their lives on the line in defense of our country’s interests.” /dl