ILOILO CITY -- Seven people, including six minors, were killed while eight others were rescued after a motor banca capsized off Concepcion, Iloilo over the weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday.
Killed in the incident were Redan Rico, 2; Justin Rico, 4; Aurea Rico, 72; Rachelle Rico, 6; Paulo Canete, 10; Hanz Christopher Canete, one month old; and Jenia Canete, 8.
Rescued, on the other hand, were Ellen Burdan, 40; Kurt Guillen, 11; Ariel Canete, 35; April Rose Rico, 28; Alexander Rico, 8 months old; Maricel Panican, 35; Gilbert Panican, 15; and Jeffrey Panican, 11.
Initial investigation conducted by the PCG Detachment (CGDet) Concepcion revealed that M/Bca Clien, with 15 passengers onboard, departed Barangay Tambaliza last Friday morning, as they attended a fiesta in Barangay Salvacion, an island about 1.5 nautical miles away from their port of origin.
While on their way home around 2 p.m. of Saturday, the motor boat was battered by big waves and strong winds, causing it to capsize near Sitio Botlog, Barangay Tambaliza.
The CGDet Concepcion, upon receipt of the report, conducted search and rescue operations together with the Concepcion Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Western Visayas Regional Police Director Agrimero Cruz said the bodies of Hanz Christopher, Redan, and Justin were recovered Sunday afternoon.
Aura, Paulo, and Rachel, who were initially reported missing, were found dead during searches Monday morning and afternoon.
Jenia, who was recovered alive after Saturday's mishap, was brought to a local hospital where she died while undergoing treatment.
The incident happened at the height of Tropical Storm Gorio, the seventh cyclone to enter the Philippines. Weather forecasters earlier warned the public, especially fishermen, not to venture out into the sea due to big waves generated by the storm. (SDR/With PNA/Sunnex)