MikeLigalig.com

ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 08/22/2013 10:04 AM | Updated as of 08/22/2013 10:06 AM


MANILA â€" A fisherman who went missing at the height of tropical depression "Labuyo" was found in the waters of Japan, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Thursday.

The PCG said 48-year-old Batanes resident Julio Balanoba was rescued by Japanese coast guard personnel.

Balanoba, who was riding a motorboat, went missing last August 11 as Labuyo battered northern Luzon.

The Filipino fisherman was found by Japanese coast guard personnel conducting air and sea patrol.

He was brought to Yaeyama Hospital in Okinawa after sustaining leg bruises.

Balanoba said his boat encountered problems after his shirt got jammed in its engine. Strong waves then brought him to the waters of Japan.

He said he survived being in the middle of sea for days due to his ample supply of bananas and watermelons.

Japanese authorities are now preparing the repatriation of Balanoba to the Philippines. - report from Noel Alamar, dzMM