A Philippine navy ship rescued 19 people on board a fishing boat that was drifting for two days in rough seas after engine trouble.
The small boat left Rapu Rapu Island in eastern Albay province late Tuesday but failed to arrive at its destination in Catanduanes province, a journey of about 40km, Governor Joseph Cua said.
Those rescued were mostly farm workers who rented the boat on their way back home in Catanduanes. Officials initially reported there were 21 people aboard, but Cua said there were 17 workers and two crewmen.
One of the workers on the stricken boat managed to send a mobile phone text message asking for help to a village official who notified authorities.
The navy ship was dispatched late Wednesday and an air force helicopter joined the search Thursday, said Bernardo Alejandro of the Office of Civil Defense.
Monsoon rains have been pounding the main northern island of Luzon for days, causing waist-deep floods and canceling classes in the capital, Manila.
Strong winds toppled two trees that fell and damaged two houses in Manila's suburban Quezon city. No injuries were reported, police said.
The weather bureau warned of flash floods and landslides and advised fishing boats to stay in port. It said winds can reach up to 55km per hour and waves can surge up to 5m.
