BOLINAO—Following the recent still unresolved sea tragedy involving fishermen from this coastal town, the mayor has advised local fishermen to avoid the disputed Panatag Shoal which is being claimed by both the Philippines and China.

Mayor Alfonso Celeste said although the Panatag Shoal is about 70 nautical miles away from his town, his constituent-fishermen go to that area because of bountiful supply.

The recent incident involved an alleged ramming by a Hong Kong-registered vessel into a stalled local fishing boat that resulted in the death of one local fisherman, rescue of three others while four more of their companions remain missing.

The casualty, Christopher Carbonel, died at a local hospital while rescued were Edimio Balmores, 40, Herman Balmores, 51, and Celino Damian, 32.

Celeste said the local government transported them back to the town from Vigan where they were rushed for treatment after their rescue by fellow Filipino fishermen from Ilocos Norte.

Still missing are Fred Celino, Arnold Garcia, Domy de los Santos and Amante Resonable. All of them are from Barangay Concordia here.

The mayor said the local government extended help to the family of the casualty and gave relief goods to the survivors and their families while they are recovering and still could not go back fishing.–Eva Visperas

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