Mati City, Davao Oriental – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has launched a continuous search and rescue operation for seven fishermen from Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental, who have been missing since August 20, 2025.
The missing fishermen were identified as:
- Renante Baring Sr., 52
- Jay Harold Baring, 19
- Renante Baring Jr., 31
- Julito Baring, 24
- Marlon Meralles, 45
- Ronnie Mineza, 19
- Donel Dampong, 32
All are residents of Purok 8, Barangay Nangan, Governor Generoso.
According to reports, the group went out to sea aboard a green-and-white motorbanca named “Triple Z” (SSEN Number SEM-DAVOR-031823-01001) to fish in the waters off Mati City. They were expected to return to their community between August 30 and 31, but failed to come home.
The PCG Davao Oriental has since issued Notice to Mariners No. 021 to alert all vessels and fisherfolk transiting the area. Mariners were urged to stay vigilant and immediately report any sighting of the missing individuals or their boat to the nearest Coast Guard station.
The Coast Guard has also released the hotline number 0966-837-0536 for the public to provide information that could aid in locating the fishermen. Photos of the missing individuals and their motorbanca have been disseminated to maximize public awareness.
While the search continues, families in Barangay Nangan anxiously await news about their loved ones. The incident has sparked concern among local fishing communities, who rely heavily on the sea for their livelihood.
Authorities remind fisherfolk to always monitor weather advisories, ensure their boats are seaworthy, and carry safety gear before setting out to sea. These precautions, they stressed, are vital in avoiding similar tragedies, especially during unpredictable weather conditions.