SAN JOSE, Antique – After six days, authorities terminated their search and rescue (SAR) operation for the missing 33-year-old policeman onboard a motorboat that capsized between the waters of Sibato and Sibolo Islands in Caluya, Antique.
“We regret to inform you that the SAR operation for Police Corporal Mark Anthony Alejandro terminates today. All agencies involved in the operation retreated to their respective points of origin after having completed the protocol operations,” Caluya mayor Rigil Kent Lim said in a statement yesterday.
The SAR team was composed of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy, Philippine Air Force, and the technical divers from Far East Scuba.
“We keep on praying for the possible retrieval of his body, taking into consideration the welfare of his family. His children are too young to be away from their father. We commit our utmost support to whatever possible assistance we can extend to his family,” Lim added.
Alejandro was onboard the M/B Habana vessel with four others – two police officers and two PCG members – when the incident happened around 8:30 a.m. on May 8 due to rough seas.
The two PCG personnel and two policemen were immediately rescued.
M/B Habana was part of the convoy of mayor Lim bringing relief goods to the island barangay of Sibolo.
“We continue to acknowledge the contributions of Alejandro in maintaining public order and safety in the municipality. His persistent implementation of the Municipal Traffic Ordinance, which lessens motorcycle accidents and protection of minors, is one of his greatest contributions for Caluya. He was popularly known as a strict policeman, and the local government unit had recognized such contribution for he serves as an epitome of a true police officer,” said Lim.For his part, Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief Broderick Train said the SAR team found the cap of Alejandro floating near Barangay Semirara, Caluya on May 10 – about two to three kilometers away from the area where the convoy motorboat capsized.
Train added that the boat is believed to have sunk to about 215 meters depth./PN
