MALUSO, Basilan — The body of a fisherman who had been reported missing was recovered following a search and retrieval operation conducted by the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Maluso in coordination with the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group (PNP-MARIG) Maluso and the Maluso Municipal Police Station.
Authorities identified the victim as Jerson “Muads” M. Hajul, 38, a married resident of Barangay Townsite, Maluso, Basilan. Officials confirmed that Hajul was the same fisherman who had been reported missing after his motorized banca was earlier discovered drifting unattended in the waters near Barangay Taberlongan.
The operation was launched after authorities received reports of a body floating in the coastal waters of Barangay Taberlongan. Acting swiftly on the information, responders immediately mobilized to the area under the leadership of CDR Makaradat L. Uddin, Station Commander of the Philippine Coast Guard Station Basilan.
The Coast Guard’s Search and Rescue Team successfully recovered the victim’s remains and coordinated with personnel from the Maluso Municipal Police Station to ensure the safe transport of the body. Following the retrieval, the remains were formally turned over to Hajul’s family.
Authorities subsequently escorted the body to the family’s residence, where appropriate Islamic burial rites and customs were observed in accordance with their religious beliefs and cultural traditions.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard, the successful recovery operation was made possible through the timely information provided by PSSG Muktar S. Talib of the Maluso Municipal Police Station and Barangay Captain Faigdar Jaafar of Barangay Shipyard Main, Maluso.
The recovery brought closure to the search for Hajul, whose disappearance had raised concern among family members and fellow fishermen in the coastal community.
In a statement, authorities extended their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining strong inter-agency coordination to ensure prompt and effective responses to maritime emergencies and incidents.
The Philippine Coast Guard also used the incident as an opportunity to remind fishermen, boat operators, and seafarers to remain vigilant while at sea and to strictly observe safety precautions, particularly amid unpredictable weather conditions and changing ocean currents that may pose risks to small fishing vessels.
Maritime authorities continue to encourage coastal communities to immediately report emergencies, missing persons, and unusual maritime incidents to facilitate rapid response efforts and improve the chances of successful rescue or recovery operations.
The tragic discovery marks the end of the search for Hajul, whose death has left his family and community mourning the loss of a fisherman who made his livelihood from the sea.