THE Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), through Marine Battalion Landing Team-6 (MBLT-6), rescued five passengers from a capsized watercraft off the province of Tawi-Tawi, an official said.

Commodore Toribio Adaci Jr., NFWM commander, said the troops were conducting seaborne patrol Saturday, November 14, when they spotted a capsized watercraft off Bakong village, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.

Tadaci said the troops immediately rescued the five passengers who were identified as Neneng Ummal Nul, 35; Aifa Nul Sali, 27; Oteng Mohammad Sali, 27; Anadia Nul, 3; and Janna Nul, 2.

The rescued passengers are residents of Sitio Panuntungan in Bakong village, Languyan.

Tadaci said the victims came from Sitio Kawa Kawa in Maraning village, Languyan, when they encountered huge waves that caused their watercraft to capsize.

Tadaci said no passengers were injured during the incident.

He said the watercraft was then towed by MBLT-6 speed boat to Sitio Panuntungan Wharf.

He added that the rescue operation was part of NFWM's commitment of keeping a safe and secure Western Mindanao maritime environment. (SunStar Zamboanga)