Sarangani Gov. Migs Dominguez has ordered the formation of a joint seaborne defense force against sea pirates, euphemistically called ambak pare! (jump, buddies!), because of their frightening command to fishing boat crews to jump overboard–or else. After which the pirates proceed to strip the boat of its engine while still at sea.
The governor called a meeting Thursday (September 16) with the Philippine Coast Guard, police provincial director Florendo Quidilla, and fisherfolk in the MAKIMA (Maasim-Kiamba-Maitum) area. The fisherfolk complained that they were defenseless against sea pirates who are armed and ruthless.
Four fishermen from Lomuyon, Kiamba went missing Tuesday last week. Their boat was found drifting in the high seas off Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat the following day with “blood stains and pieces of body tissues scattered all over the fishing boat deck, mute testimony to what had been their fate.
“I have tasked deputy governor Aniceto Lopez, Jr. to organize a seaborne defense force to fight these pirates terrorizing our fishermen,” Governor Dominguez said. “Our fishermen have agreed not to be cowed, but will fight back in case of attack.”
The defense force will be composed of volunteer fishermen as well as members of the Philippine Army and other civilian volunteers.
“They will accompany the boats and are allowed to carry firearms,” Dominguez said.
“We will buy and equip the Coast Guard station with communications equipment, CB and SSB (Citizens’ Band and Single-Side Band radio). We will set up a distress channel that can be used as a quick response to reports that will be passed to the army and navy units,” the governor added.
Organization and training of the seaborne defense force will begin on Monday, September 20.
Hundreds of fishermen in the MAKIMA area called the attention of the governor after the four fishermen from Lomuyon went missing.
According to a police report submitted by Kiamba municipal police station, Pederico Velarmino and Norberto Pareja were members of the crew of the missing fishing boat, Lito Boy”
Police investigation disclosed that pump boat owner Lito Macalipay said sometime in the morning of September 4, his fishing boat and the missing crews could not be contacted by radio.
Police said the fishing boat was sighted drifting on the high seas off Kalamansig, Sultan Kudarat the following day with “blood stains and pieces of body tissues on boat’s deck.”
Two other crew members of the fishing boat, Joseph Pelaez and Rogelio Galon, are also missing.
Engines of three other smaller boats, known locally as pakura and crew’s belongings were also missing. [Russtum G. Pelima/Sarangani Information Office]
