NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
U.S. Navy, PCG Save 3 Pangasinan Fisherfolk At Sea
Photo credit: PCG
Three fishermen from Pangasinan are safely back home after a timely rescue at sea involving the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and a United States Navy vessel.
The PCG on January 1 facilitated the turnover of the three fisherfolk—Michael Lebios, Michael John Lebios, and Lorjun Lupague—who were rescued by the U.S. Navy ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) about 50 nautical miles west of Bolinao, Pangasinan.
The men, all residents of Sitio Pocdol, Barangay Cato in Infanta, were first spotted by the U.S. Navy crew clinging to their partially submerged motorbanca. The boat had been tied to a payao when it ran into trouble.
Initial findings showed that the fishermen were on their way home from a fishing trip when their engine malfunctioned. Strong waves then hit their motorbanca, causing it to take on water and sink.
After the rescue, the fishermen were turned over to the PCG at Riviera Pier in Olongapo City, Zambales. Medical teams from the PCG and the Infanta Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office checked the trio and confirmed they were all in good physical condition. They were later transported back to their hometown to reunite with their families.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has repeatedly underscored the importance of strong partnerships and shared commitments with international allies, particularly in ensuring maritime safety and responding quickly to emergencies at sea.
The PCG expressed its gratitude to the crew of the USNS Cesar Chavez for their swift humanitarian response and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and safety of Filipino fisherfolk navigating the country’s waters.
The PCG on January 1 facilitated the turnover of the three fisherfolk—Michael Lebios, Michael John Lebios, and Lorjun Lupague—who were rescued by the U.S. Navy ship USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE 14) about 50 nautical miles west of Bolinao, Pangasinan.
The men, all residents of Sitio Pocdol, Barangay Cato in Infanta, were first spotted by the U.S. Navy crew clinging to their partially submerged motorbanca. The boat had been tied to a payao when it ran into trouble.
Initial findings showed that the fishermen were on their way home from a fishing trip when their engine malfunctioned. Strong waves then hit their motorbanca, causing it to take on water and sink.
After the rescue, the fishermen were turned over to the PCG at Riviera Pier in Olongapo City, Zambales. Medical teams from the PCG and the Infanta Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office checked the trio and confirmed they were all in good physical condition. They were later transported back to their hometown to reunite with their families.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has repeatedly underscored the importance of strong partnerships and shared commitments with international allies, particularly in ensuring maritime safety and responding quickly to emergencies at sea.
The PCG expressed its gratitude to the crew of the USNS Cesar Chavez for their swift humanitarian response and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and safety of Filipino fisherfolk navigating the country’s waters.
Jan 2, 2026
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