TACLOBAN CITY – A pair of twin nine-year-old girls drowned after their motor banca capsized in the sea of Abuyog, Leyte on Saturday, April 11.
The missing was identified as Sofia and Anna, residents of Barangay Victory, Abuyog.
The body of Sofia was found on the shoreline of Barangay Buntay, Abuyog, on Sunday, April 12, at 6:15 p.m.
The victim was positively identified by a relative and her body was taken to the Abuyog morgue for proper disposition.
Search and retrieval operations are ongoing for Anna.
The Philippine Coast Guard has issued a Notice to Mariners alerting all vessels and watercraft operating in the sea of Abuyog regarding the missing individual.
The victims were on their way to Barangay Victory from Barangay Lawaan when their motor banca partially submerged due to strong waves.
The two children fell overboard approximately 300 meters away from the shoreline of Barangay Sabang, Abuyog.
The PCG advised all ships and watercraft transiting the affected area to exercise extreme vigilance and keep a sharp lookout for the Anna.
Mariners were urged to provide necessary assistance if located and immediately report to the nearest Coast Guard station or through hotline number 09774055166.
Police continue to assist in the operations and provide support to the family of the victims.