The Philippine Navy on Saturday expressed its appreciation to the United States Navy for the humanitarian assistance provided to three Filipino fishermen rescued by the crew of USNS Cesar Chavez (T-AKE-14) in the West Philippine Sea.

Philippine Navy Public Affairs chief CDR Marie Angelica Sisican said the rescue operation, which was conducted within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone, highlighted the shared responsibility of maritime forces to ensure the safety of life at sea in accordance with international law.

“[The rescue] underscores the shared obligation of maritime forces to ensure the safety of life at sea in accordance with international law and a rules-based international order, affirming that real friends save lives,” Sisican told reporters in a Viber message. 

Following the rescue, Sisican said that the Philippine Navy had closely coordinated with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), local government units, and other relevant agencies to ensure that the fishermen received the necessary assistance. 

Sisican also reiterated the Philippine Navy’s “commitment to protecting the country’s maritime domain and safeguarding Filipino fisherfolk.

“The Philippine Navy remains steadfast in its mandate to protect the country’s maritime domain, safeguard Filipino fisherfolk, and uphold the rule of law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in all maritime activities,” she emphasized.

She noted that the rescue adds to ongoing cooperation between the Philippines and the United States in promoting maritime safety and security in the region.

Meanwhile, the PCG facilitated the turnover of three rescued fisherfolk approximately 50 nautical miles west of Bolinao, Pangasinan, on 1 January 2026.

Upon turnover at Riviera Pier, Olongapo City, Zambales, the PCG and the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Infanta provided medical assistance and confirmed that all three were in good physical condition.

The three fishermen, identified as Michael Lebios, John Lebios, and Lorjun Lupague—all residents of Sitio Pocdol, Barangay Cato, Infanta, Pangasinan—have since been safely reunited with their families.

According to the US Navy, the fishermen were spotted clinging to their partially submerged motorbanca, which was secured to a payao, and were immediately rescued by the ship’s crew.

Initial investigation showed that the group encountered engine trouble while returning from a fishing trip and was later battered by strong waves, causing their motorbanca to sink.