The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is still actively searching for Andres Bulanon, the missing chief engineer of the cargo vessel MV Jerlyn Khatness, which sank off the coast of Lavezares, Northern Samar on December 30. The vessel, carrying cement from Cebu, went down around 2:30 p.m. after being hit by large waves near Barangay Balicuatro. The search, now in its fourth day, is being led by the BRP Cape San Agustin from the PCG Northern Samar station. Bulanon, aged 63 and from Tubigon, Bohol, was last seen swimming by other crew members, but rough seas separated them. The incident resulted in one fatality, with 13 other crew members successfully rescued by the Coast Guard and other responders. Approximately 30 PCG personnel are involved in the ongoing search, supported by local disaster risk and management offices. Despite challenging conditions due to large waves, the PCG is intensifying efforts to locate Bulanon. Mariners are urged to report any sightings of the missing crew or debris, and all vessels in the area are advised to exercise caution. The MV Jerlyn Khatness, built in 1993, has a gross tonnage of 199.
