A massive search and rescue operation was launched by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to locate a Filipino seafarer believed to have fallen from a Singaporean bulk carrier while traveling in the vicinity waters of Zamboanga City a day after Christmas.

In a statement Monday, Dec. 30, the PCG identified the missing seafarer as Aguaviva Gel Jutba, male, 44, a crew of Singaporean-flagged vessel "RTM Zheng He".

According to the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), Jutba was last seen at the port side main deck of the ship around 11:25 a.m. on Dec. 26 while the vessel was traversing 111 nautical miles northwest off Zamboanga City Pier.

He was wearing a dark blue reflectorized suit, said the master of the ship, Ashok Chandru Krishna Kumar. The vessel came from China and was going to Australia when the incident occurred.

After receiving a report about the missing crew, the PCG immediately deployed patrol vessel BRP Capones (MRRV-4404) to conduct search and rescue operation in the area.

The RTM Zheng He and two other vessels, MV HL Hope and MV Federal Sutton, also joined the search.

On Dec. 28, the PCG also flew a Beechcraft Baron 58 twin engine aircraft (RP-C3606) from Zamboanga International Airport for a four-hour mission to search the area northwest of Bongo Island, Basilan.

The PCG said the search area was expanded to waters near the Jolo, Sulu Island where "only several fishing boats were seen but still no trace of the missing crew."

The PCG advised all vessels transiting the area to be on the look out for the reported missing person, render necessary assistance and report any development to authorities.

“Despite challenging conditions, the PCG remains committed to locating the missing individual and urges all maritime vessels in the area to remain vigilant and report any sightings or information to the authorities,” the coast guard said.