A Filipino fisherman who had been missing for over a month was rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday, authorities said.
Robin Dejillo, 50, was spotted drifting on a motorbanca approximately 16 to 18 nautical miles off the coast of Basco, Batanes, at around 1:00 pm on Sept 19, 2024, the PCG said in a statement.
Dejillo, a resident of Infanta, Quezon, had been missing since July 16, when he departed on a fishing trip aboard the vessel Leah June. He was last seen on August 4, when he boarded a smaller boat to search for better fishing spots but failed to return.
The PCG launched a search and rescue operation, but Dejillo remained missing for several weeks. On Wednesday, personnel aboard the passenger vessel MV Veronica spotted the motorbanca and identified Dejillo.
Coast Guard personnel immediately rendered assistance and coordinated with local authorities to transport Dejillo to Batanes General Hospital for medical evaluation.
He is expected to be transported to his hometown in Infanta, Quezon, via helicopter after a thorough medical assessment.
