PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan – In response to the recent rescue of seven residents from Calandagan Island by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the provincial government of Palawan has pledged financial assistance and immediate support to the survivors. The group, who went missing while traversing rough seas on their motorized banca bound for the coastal municipality of Araceli, was recovered approximately 7.6 nautical miles east of North Verde Island in the municipality of Roxas.
Governor Dennis Socrates promptly ordered financial aid for the survivors, led by boat skipper Alfredo Abad and companions Roque Luhan, Jacky Paalan, Janjan Paalan, Roberto Bacolod, Alvin Edar, and Tomas Vigonte. Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office chief Abigail Ablaña shared that the provincial government would address their immediate needs, providing psychological and psychosocial services, as well as cash and food packs.
Upon their safe return to Puerto Princesa's pier via the PCG vessel BRP Melchora Aquino, the survivors were welcomed with simple ceremonies. They received medical assistance from the Provincial Health Office and will continue to receive financial support until they fully recover. Ablaña highlighted the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies, including the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, in the extensive search and rescue operation.
Ensign Chrieson Dave Gabayan, spokesperson for PCG District Palawan, recounted the ordeal and how the survivors, who are fishermen by profession, exhibited seamanship skills to endure the three-day exposure to harsh elements while riding on the inverted boat’s keel. The village of Calandagan, a four-square-kilometer island under the jurisdiction of Araceli town, was the departure point for their ill-fated journey to Araceli on Wednesday. The survivors' resilience and the joint efforts of rescue teams ensured their safe return to their community
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