ILOILO City – A fisherman from Miag-ao, Iloilo who went missing at sea earlier this week was found dead Friday morning, September 26 in this city.
Police Captain Michael Tuburan, chief of the Iloilo City Police Station 7, said the body of Noel Canton, 44, of Barangay Baybay Norte, Miag-ao was discovered floating near the Iloilo Fish Port Complex in Barangay Tanza Baybay, City Proper.
Canton was reported missing by his family after he failed to return home on September 24.
“The family has confirmed his identity when they saw the remains. Based on initial information, he left to fish around four in the afternoon and was expected to return by late evening but never made it home,” Tuburan said.
According to police, Canton’s pump boat was found the following morning along the shore of Oton town by another fisherman who posted the sighting online. The discovery helped the family confirm it was indeed Canton’s boat
“From Miag-ao to Oton and now here in City Proper – the circumstances show just how unpredictable the sea can be. Fishermen take risks every day, and sadly, sometimes those risks end in tragedy,” Tuburan said.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Miag-ao Substation had launched a search-and-rescue operation on Thursday but suspended it due to bad weather.
Authorities were working to determine the cause of death and whether rough seas may have played a role.
Tuburan called on coastal communities to remain cautious, especially during inclement weather.
“We always remind our fishermen to monitor weather advisories and avoid venturing out when conditions are dangerous. This is a tragic reminder of how unforgiving the sea can be,” he stressed./PN
