Navy aid troubled South Korean vessel off Burgos, Ilocos Norte waters

BAGUIO CITY (February 8, 2025) -- Filipino navymen from the Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) helped a troubled South Korean vessel off Burgos town in Ilocos Norte to safety last Wednesday.

Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) public information office chief Major Anthony B. Pueblas said when the Maritime Situation Awareness Center – North (MSAC-N) and Naval Monitoring Detachment Pasuquin (NMD Pasuquin) detected the emergency alert of South Korean passenger vessel UDOSARANG 1 after it suffered a mechanical malfunction prompting them to deploy BRP NESTOR REINOSO (PC380) to assist.

The Philippine Navy patrol craft established contact with UDOSARANG 1 and escorted it to Sual, Pangasinan, ensuring the safety of its passengers including nine Filipino crew members, Pueblas detailed.

Nolcom chief Lt. Gen. Fernyl G. Buca promised that Nolcom and the NFNL “remain committed to securing our maritime domain and protecting seafarers.” He vowed their forces are always ready to respond to emergencies and uphold maritime security. Buca stressed, they are always on their toes “in safeguard(ing) northern waters, ensuring the safety of vessels and maritime activities in the region.