96 missing fishermen

Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc.

NINFA R. LEONARDIA Editor-in-Chief & President

CARLA P. GOMEZ Editor GUILLERMO TEJIDA III Desk Editor NANETTE L. GUADALQUIVER Busines Editor NIDA A. BUENAFE Sports Editor RENE GENOVE Bureau Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising Coordinator

CARLOS ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer

The latest figures from the Negros Coast Guard count 67 fishermen from Negros Occidental dead and 96 still missing after the unpredictable path of Typhoon “Frank” mercilessly pounded their vessels that had sought shelter in waters that unfortunately turned out be in the direct path of the powerful storm. 

The stretched resources of the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy, who have been directing most of their efforts and resources at the sunken M/V Princess of the Stars, has made the search, which is being conducted mostly by search and rescue teams from local governments and the private sector, doubly difficult.

Senator Richard Gordon, who recently visited Cadiz City, has signified his intention to file bills that would require fishermen to wear tags that can help identify, and maybe even electronically track them if ever they are lost at sea. He also wants to require fishermen to have insurance, and intends to address the needs of the Coast Guard to improve its ability to respond to calamities.

While Senator Gordon’s intentions may sound good on paper, the less than sterling record of our legislature, especially when it comes to crafting laws that can actually save lives, give us the impression that that those bills will just find their way into the Philippine legislature’s graveyard for good intentions.  For the sake of the fishing industry, we hope that Senator Gordon can champion that cause and find enough support to turn those proposed bills into laws.

Local officials, the coast guard, and port officials also have to be stricter in ensuring that fishing vessels have adequate safety equipment for their crew before allowing the boats to leave port.  They must also make sure that fishing boat captains have access to accurate weather information at all times.

Make no mistake; this maritime tragedy is still significant in terms of economic losses and the loss of life, even if it is dwarfed by the enormity of the sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars.  As we urge the Coast Guard and Navy to exert more effort in the continuing search for our fishermen, we must also remind our national and local government officials that a lot of work is necessary if they are to ensure that a situation like this does not happen ever again.*