CAMP GEN. SIMEON A. OLA, Legazpi City, July 21 (PNA) — Fishermen found the lifeless body of a woman in the sea off Barangay Cotmon, San Fernando, Camarines Sur, Monday morning, a police report said.
The body was believed to be that of the missing policewoman, a member of the Banton Municipal Police Station in Romblon.
It was wearing a yellow t-shirt marked Iloilo City-Dinagyang and brown short pants, estimated to be 5’4″, and of medium built.
Based on a report received by Police Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, Philippine National Police Bicol regional director, the female police officer was reported missing on July 14 while on board the motorized boat M/B Joana Carla with a fellow officer.
The two police officers were identified as PO2 John Paul Masajo and PO1 Imee Magada of the BMPS in Romblon province.
The report said the two left Barangay Cajoinos, Romblon at about 1:00 p.m. July 14 but reportedly did not reach their destination, prompting their fellow officers to flash an alarm to nearby provinces and municipalities.
On July 17, a fisherman found a boat marked M/B Joana Carla in Dapa Islet, Iniwaran, San Pascual, Masbate.
Members of the Philippine Coast Guard and rescue groups immediately conducted a search-and-rescue operation.
Inside the sunken boat, they found the personal belongings of the two police officers and important documents that they had with them.
The recovered personal belongings of the victims are now in the custody of the police for turnover to their respective families.
The search and rescue operation for Masajo is still ongoing in the waters of Masbate, Albay, Sorsogon, and Camarines Sur where the victim might have been swept by the southeast monsoon winds during the weather disturbance. (PNA)