Philippine Ambassador Ramoncito Mariño identified the fishermen – Johnny Brocoy, and Elmar Berrera. The two fishermen are currently under custodial care of the embassy. Mariño said the patrol boat returned to Koror Friday night with the two fishermen.
Mariño has yet to identify the fishermen but said that the two were lost at sea for two days after their boat drifted to Helens Reef. The fishermen were stranded on Helen’s Reef for four days. Mariño said that the stranded fishermen were part of a Philippine-based vessel, FV Dodong Louie fishing at Indonesian waters.
The two got separated from the mother ship after the smaller boat’s engine they used to fish broke down.
Mariño said bad weather also caused the pump boat to get lost at sea. Mariño said the fishermen are working for a fishing company based in General Santos City and owned by Ernesto Rebosa. He added that they are now in contact with the stranded fishermen’s employer to repatriate the workers.
