MANILA (UPDATED) — A Filipino fisherman is missing in Scarborough Shoal after his boat figured in a collision with another vessel on Sunday, July 7, according to Sen. Francis Tolentino on Tuesday, citing confirmation from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

"May isang insidente na nangyari malapit sa Bajo de Masinloc... Lumubog ang isang bangka at nawawala ang isang mangingisda noong July 7, 2024, sa may West Philippine Sea at ang pangalan ng barko na bumangga ay Yang Fu," Tolentino said. 

Tolentino said the report was verified by PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan himself.

"Good evening sir, hinahanap po namin since July 7... I  also directed the Coast Guard NCR [and] Central Luzon to initiate investigation for appropriate filing of a case against the responsible vessel," said Gavan in a message to Tolentino, which he shared to the media.

In a statement, the Philippine Coast Guard confirmed the incident and said it is conducting a search and rescue operation in the vicinity waters off Sampaloc Point, Subic, Zambales.

PCG spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo identified the missing fisherman as Jose Mondoñedo, who was aboard fishing boat FBca John Robert that was hit by an unidentified vessel in the afternoon of July 3.

Mondoñedo’s brother Robert survived from the incident.

Robert narrated that he and his missing brother departed Barangay Wawandaue on July 1 to go to their payao in the vicinity waters off Sampaloc Point for a fishing activity.

He survived by holding on the payao for three days until FBca Irish Mae passed by and rescued him on the night of July 6.

Tolentino said the big ship that hit the Filipino boat was bearing Chinese characters that read "Yang Fu."

"Sa ngayon kulang pa, kasi tumakas [ang barko], identified naman [at] malamang ito ay commercial vessel," Tolentino said.

The PCG said investigation is still ongoing.

Balilo said the Coast Guard Station in Zambales has issued a notice to mariners, as well as coordinated with neighboring barangays and local fisherfolk for possible sightings of the missing fisherman.

The PCG said BRP Sindangan (MRRV-4407), which is patrolling in the waters off Zambales, was also ordered to conduct a search and rescue.