CORTES, Surigao del Sur — The body of a missing fisherman was recovered in the waters off Barangay Tag-anongan, bringing a tragic end to a days-long search and rescue operation, authorities confirmed.
Jeorgen Pasco Pamaus, reported to be 65 years old in initial accounts, was found lifeless on May 5, two days after he was declared missing on May 3. The victim, a resident of Purok 3 in Barangay Tag-anongan, had earlier gone out to sea for a fishing trip but failed to return, prompting concern among his family and fellow fishermen.
According to reports, Pamaus was discovered by a fellow fisherman, identified as 25-year-old Rodel de los Arcos, at around noon while heading out to fish in the municipal waters of Cortes. De los Arcos immediately sought assistance from other fishermen in the area, and together they retrieved the body and brought it aboard a pump boat.
The recovery operation was later supported by personnel from the Cortes Municipal Police Station, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), and the Philippine Coast Guard station in Tandag. The remains were transported to the shoreline of Barangay Burgos and subsequently turned over to the victim’s grieving family.
Prior to the discovery, Pamaus had been the subject of an intensive search after his pump boat was reportedly found drifting at sea with no one onboard — a development that heightened fears over his safety.
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of death, and an investigation is ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The local government of Cortes extended its condolences to the bereaved family, while also expressing gratitude to those who participated in the search and rescue efforts, including community members who shared information and assisted authorities.
In the wake of the incident, officials renewed calls for stricter adherence to safety measures among fishermen, emphasizing the importance of precautionary steps before venturing out to sea. They also urged the public to remain vigilant and prioritize safety to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The death of Pamaus underscores the risks faced daily by small-scale fishermen, particularly in unpredictable sea conditions, and highlights the need for stronger safety protocols and community awareness.