CEBU, Philippines - Over a hundred people who live in Tangingue islet off Madridejos town in Bantayan Island remain unaccounted for after super typhoon Yolanda washed out their houses.
Businessman Romeo Villaceran of Madridejos town confirmed the report.
“Mga 30 ka balay na washed out tanan pero wala’y nakahibalo ug wala’y balita unsa na’y nahitabo nila,†Villaceran told The Freeman.
Tangingue islet, which has a lighthouse, is approximately two hectares and is 15 kilometers off Madridejos town.
Villaceran said that the islet is a resting place for fishermen but there are also families who built bamboo houses on stilts there.
Earlier, around 1,800 residents in Kinatarkan Island, which is composed of three barangays – Hagdan, Kinatarkan and Langub – and is part of Santa Fe town in Bantayan Island, were also reported missing after the typhoon.
Fourth district Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, however, belied the report.
“Wala oy, dunay sa Tangingue islet nga gisubay pa karon kung hain ning mga tawo, nakabakwit ba or asa ni sila karon,†Salimbangon told The Freeman.
Salimbangon added that people living in other islets off Bantayan Island have been accounted for except for those from Tangingue.
Santa Fe town councilor Jayson Repaso also denied the report about the missing people from Kinatarkan saying that they were in the island last Thursday distributing relief goods.
Repaso said that they learned from Kinatarkan residents that some of those who were living in Tangingue were originally from Kinatarkan.
Meanwhile, the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management team in San Remigio town in northern Cebu reported that seven fishing boats were damaged, resulting to the death of 11 crew members who are all from Bantayan Island. The boats sought shelter at the Hagnaya port/bay during the typhoon.
The boats that capsized were F/B Inday Tessie 3, F/B Julieta 4, FB Julieta 7, F/B RL Starward. The F/B Grand Prices, F/B Bryan 3 were reported half submerged while F/B Angel 2 ran aground.
The crewmen who died were William Villaceran, 40; Rammel Bawiin, 31; Gregorio Mata; Carlos Bayonon, 35; Wilfredo Mahinay, 42; Jose Dawa; Boy Figuracion, 56; Danilo Negri, 30; Noli Mata, 38; Ronron Geltendes, 42; and an unidentified person.
The LDRRM of Bantayan reported 21 deaths as of November 14 in the municipality.
Engr. Romarico Cabellon, planning and development officer, and civil deputized coordinator of San Remigio, also reported casualties in the municipality.
They are Francisco Codilla, 69, of Tacup; Severino Tequillo, 76, of Kayam; Alejandra Pepito of Calambua; Anastacia Sumayang, 82, of Canagahan; Seferino Ochea, 84, of Toong.
Others who were injured are Paulino Andrino, 60, of Gawaygaway; Marvin James Sipalay of Bagtik; and Erli Lastima, 62, of Luyang.
Cabellon reported that all seven high schools, six integrated schools, 21 elementary school and 27 day care centers were partially damaged by the typhoon. — /QSB (FREEMAN)