Philippine Coast Guard launches search for three missing fishermen off Mindoro

The Philippine Coast Guard is conducting an active search for three fishermen reported missing off the waters of Sta. Cruz, Occidental Mindoro. The missing men have been identified as Dennis Asilum, 52; Mark Anthony Asilum, 29; and Emil Tacuyan, 58, all from Barangay Barahan in Sta. Cruz.

The three departed aboard the motorbanca FBCA "Cassandra" at approximately 10 a.m. on a routine fishing expedition but failed to return to port as scheduled. Their absence prompted concerned family members to report the incident to authorities, triggering the immediate mobilization of Coast Guard personnel.

Search and rescue operations are currently underway in the waters off Sta. Cruz as authorities work to locate the missing vessel and crew. The Coast Guard has not released additional details regarding the circumstances of their disappearance or the extent of the search area being covered.

The incident adds to the ongoing maritime safety concerns in the region, where fishing vessels regularly operate in waters that can present challenging conditions. Residents have been urged to report any sightings of the vessel or the missing individuals to the nearest Coast Guard station.