LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol (PCG-5) confirmed on Thursday that two died and two are still missing after a motor banca capsized in the sea of Aroroy, Masbate on Wednesday.
In a phone interview, PCG Bicol commander Commodore Ivan Roldan said initial accounting recorded the rescued 34 passengers and eight crew members onboard, with two confirmed dead and two allegedly trapped inside as told by rescued individuals.
Roldan said the incident was reported to the Coast Guard Sub-Station Aroroy by a concerned individual, a resident of Barangay Baga-uma, who informed authorities of an alleged capsizing incident involving the motor banca due to big waves.
Roldan said based on the initial investigation, the motor banca departed without the required Philippine Coast Guard clearance and encountered adverse weather conditions while enroute.
He added that in line with due process and to ensure an impartial and thorough maritime casualty investigation, the PCG Bicol has effected the immediate relief of the sub-station commander of Aroroy to pave the way for further inquiry and a formal maritime casualty investigation. (PNA)