The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is conducting a search and rescue operation for a 53-year-old man who went missing while on board a passenger vessel traveling from Batangas to Negros Occidental.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan ordered an intensive search along the Batangas–Caticlan route after the passenger was reported missing on December 13.
The missing passenger was identified as Danilo Villaluz, 53, a resident of Barangay Sikatuna, Isabela, Negros Occidental, who was on his way home to visit his child who was hospitalized in Bacolod City.
The search operations include surface and aerial patrols covering the Batangas–Caticlan sea route, the PCG said.
As of Tuesday, December 16, the Coast Guard search and rescue units remained deployed in the area to expand coverage, the PCD said.
PCG units are also coordinating with coastal communities and fisherfolk to help widen the search area.
Admiral Gavan said the operation is in line with the directive to protect lives at sea despite challenges in assets.
Danilo last contacted his family members at around 9 p.m. on December 13, when he sent a selfie to his family and said he would be sleeping.
The vessel was expected to dock in Caticlan on the morning of December 14 and continue to Bacolod City later that day.
Danilo could no longer be contacted after the vessel docked, prompting his family to seek assistance.
At around 11 p.m. on December 13, a staff member of Starlite Ferries Inc. in Caticlan reportedly responded to a chat from Danilo’s phone and confirmed that he boarded the vessel but was missing.
The staff said Danilo’s belongings, including his backpack, sling bag, identification cards, money, and phone, were left on board.
In a social media post, Danilo’s daughter said the family has been coordinating with the Coast Guard, Batangas Port, and PCG Malay-Caticlan.
She said port CCTV footage has been reviewed but showed no trace of her father, while they are still waiting for CCTV footage from the ferry.
The family also thanked PCG Caticlan for assisting relatives who traveled for nearly 10 hours to help in the search.
The Coast Guard said it remains in constant communication with the family as search operations continue.*