US Navy ship rescues three Pangasinan fishermen off Cape Bolinao

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that a United States naval ship rescued three fishermen about 63 nautical miles west-northwest of Cape Bolinao, Pangasinan, on 1 January 2026.

According to the PCG, the USNS Cesar Chavez rescued the fishermen, all residents of Barangay Cato in the town of Infanta, Pangasinan.

The fishermen were identified as Michael Lebios, 52; his son, Michael John Lebios, 29; and Lotjun Lupague, 32.

The report said the USNS Cesar Chavez was en route to Subic Bay Freeport when its crew spotted the three men clinging to their partially submerged fishing boat, which was tied to a payao. The crew took the fishermen on board and immediately provided medical assistance.

The ship’s crew coordinated with the PCG, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and other government agencies regarding the rescue.

The US naval ship arrived at Subic Bay Freeport on Jan. 2 and promptly turned over the fishermen to SBMA personnel for medical assessment and documentation.

The fishermen will be turned over to the local government of Infanta for transport back to their families.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño said the government continues to work round the clock to fulfill its mandate to assist Filipino fishermen and ensure maritime safety.

“The government is working round the clock to perform its mandate to help the Filipino fishermen, ensure the safety of the fishermen in the West Philippine Sea and assured that the government is always there to assist everyone in need of help,” Aliño said.

He added that part of SBMA’s thrust is to help save lives and provide public service at all times.

In 2025 and 2026, SBMA, in coordination with the PCG, has been involved in several rescue operations involving fishermen in and around Subic Bay.

Among the notable incidents was the rescue of 58-year-old Ceasar Broñola after his motorized boat capsized near the West Breakbulk Head Marine Terminal NSD due to rough sea conditions.

Another involved the rescue of 28 fishermen from Zambales after their vessel, FB Ervy 8, suffered engine failure nearly 200 nautical miles offshore on Nov. 3, 2025, and was successfully towed back to Subic.

On July 26, 2025, a missing 52-year-old fisherman from Pangasinan, Rodolfo Montes, was rescued by a cargo vessel, MV Shin Line 10, and later turned over to SBMA and the PCG at Subic Bay Freeport.

Just last month, 11 fishermen were rescued by the PCG and assisted by SBMA after their boat experienced propeller failure while traveling from Subic to Capones Island.