CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Talisaynon sailor, who was among the victims of the cargo shipped that ran aground off the shores of Surigao del Norte, has been reunited with his family today, April 23, 2021.
READ: 4 dead, 7 rescued, 9 missing in Surigao del Norte sea mishap at height of Bising
Jojie Villanueva, a resident of Barangay Linao, was one of the 20 sailors reported missing from the cargo ship, LCT Cebu Great Ocean, on April 19, 2021. Four were already previously identified as dead, but fortunately, Villanueva was found alive.
Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas said the city government had assisted the family of Villanueva to get to Surigao City to help them see him.
With the help of the Cokaliong Shipping Lines, the family was taken to Surigao City on the evening of April 22, 2021.
Gullas thanked his friend, Chase Cokaliong, the shipping line’s Vice President for Fleet Operations, for making this possible and for committing to provide a free ride for the family upon their return to Cebu.
“Nicommit sad siya nga libre ilang sakay kuyog ni Jojie once they come home to Cebu,” said Gullas.
(He also committed to give the family accompanied by Jojie a free ride to Cebu.)
Villanueva is currently admitted at the Caraga Regional District Hospital. This is also where he was reunited with his family.
Here are photos of the family reunion courtesy of Mayor Gullas:
/dbs
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