MANILA, Philippines — Three fishermen, who were earlier reported missing in Occidental Mindoro, were rescued recently by the crew members of a passing fishing boat.

Lieutenant Commander Algier Ricafrente, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Public Affairs chief said that the distressed M/B Sweet Canvey was sighted by the crew members of F/B Prince John Mark 3 while the motor boat was tilted by the waves at vicinity 65 nautical miles west of Lubang Island.

Coast Guard Detachment Mariveles received a phone call from Myrna Punong Bayan, a relative of one of the fishermen, who reported that the fishermen were rescued by the crew members of F/B Prince John Mark 3.

F/B Prince John Mark 3 was enroute to Barangay Sisiman, Mariveles in Bataan when the crew sighted the distressed motor banca and immediately rescued the fishermen onboard. After which, the fishing boat towed the motor boat to Barangay Sisiman.

The rescued fishermen, identified as Carlo Ruiz, 24 years old; Norman Estibar, 35; and Sonny Boy Dulay, 27, all residents of Barangay Poblacion, Mariveles, Bataan, were turned over to Punong Bayan.

They were all found to be in good physical condition and they subsequently returned to their respective family.

Meanwhile, operatives from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) are conducting an on-going massive search and rescue operation to three fishermen that reported missing anew at the shorelines in Cagayan province last Monday, it was learned here. (With a report from Freddie G. Lazaro)