6 DEAD, 3 MISSING AFTER BOAT SINKS IN ZAMBALES

BY KEVIN GALANG

SIX people died while three others were missing after a motorized banca carrying 13 passengers  sank at Mapanuepe Lake in Bgy. Buhawen, San Marcelino, Zambales Thursday afternoon.

In a report to Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) director Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez, the victims. who were said to be members of the Aeta community, were traveling from Buhawen proper to Sitio Lumibao when their banca encountered trouble.

Barangay Buhawen chairman Edgardo Duenas , upon learning of the incident, reported the matter to the authorities. 

Authorities said of the 13 passengers, four survived, six were confirmed dead and three remain missing as of the initial report.

The fatalities were identified as Elvie Tiglao Pabalan, 33; Joanavie Mae Tiglao Pabalan; Sally Serrano Dela Cruz, 29; her 2-year-old child; Evelyn Yurik Lagman, 45; and a 2-year-old boy.

The four survivors were Julian Pabalan Balario, Margie Paanan Balario, Palito Liwanaq and Rebecca Paanan.

Still missing were Arlene Paanan Liwanag, 26, who was reportedly pregnant; a 3-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy. 

Personnel of the San Marcelino Municipal Police Station, together with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), immediately proceeded to the area following the report.

Search and rescue operations were being conducted for the three missing passengers.

Police have yet to release details on what caused the motorized banca to capsize. 

The identities of the victims and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to further verification.

Police and local disaster-response authorities were expected to provide additional information as search and recovery operations continue