MANILA - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it has launched a search and rescue operation for six fishermen who have been missing since Friday in waters off Davao Oriental province in the southern Philippines.

The PCG said the male fishermen departed on board a motorboat on Friday to fish in waters off the town of Manay but had not returned as of Monday.

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In an advisory, the PCG District in Southern Mindanao called on mariners and local fishing communities to help in the search.

"All vessels, watercraft, and fisherfolk navigating within or near the vicinity are advised to maintain heightened vigilance and assist in search efforts," the district said, urging them to report any sightings of the missing boat and its crew.

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Authorities said search teams were deployed to scour the area where the fishermen were last reported, while coordination with local government units and nearby coastal communities is ongoing.