PHILIPPINE Marine troops have rescued nine people, mostly minors, off the waters of Luuk, Sulu, the military reported Monday, April 11.
Colonel Mark Vincent Anthony Blanco, 4th Marine Brigade commander, said they were rescued Sunday, April 10, in the waters of Tandu Bato village, Luuk municipality.
Blanco said two of the nine rescued individuals are adults, while the remaining seven are minors. The oldest among them is 28 and the youngest is 12 years old.
Blanco said investigation showed that the rescued victims were aboard an overloaded motorboat, which capsized after it was battered by strong waves and current amid the inclement weather condition while en route to Sitio Taindi of Kan Mindus village in Luuk.
The country is experiencing inclement weather condition spawned by Tropical Storm "Agaton" (Megi).
Blanco said he immediately deployed the brigade's rescue unit following receipt of information from a concerned fisherman that a motorboat capsized off the waters of Tandu Bato village in Luuk.
Blanco said the troops brought the rescued individuals to Luuk District Hospital for first aid treatment.
"They are in good condition and we turned-over them to the Municipal Disasters Risk Reduction Management Office of Luuk, Sulu," Blanco added.
Major General Ignatius Patrimonio, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, lauded the Marines for their prompt response to the incident.
Patrimonio, who is also the 11th Infantry Division commander, urged the Marines to continue their tasks of saving lives and assist the community in providing services.
Patrimonio commended the Marine troops for their quick response to the incident that saved the lives of the passengers of the ill-fated motorboat.
"This (successful rescue) is a manifestation of your professionalism and readiness to take action when needed," he added.
He said the Marine troops to remain focus in their mandated tasks as they continue to march in unison in bringing lasting peace in the province of Sulu. (SunStar Zamboanga)