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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Luzon devider 6 Aeta passengers dead, 3 missing after banca capsizes in Zambales lake

6 Aeta passengers dead, 3 missing after banca capsizes in Zambales lake

Published Aug 27, 2026 10:40 pm
Six members of an Aeta community died after a motorized banca capsized and submerged in Mapanuepe Lake in Barangay Buhawen here Thursday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of PNP Zambales via Liezle Inigo)
Six members of an Aeta community died after a motorized banca capsized and submerged in Mapanuepe Lake in Barangay Buhawen here Thursday afternoon. (Photo courtesy of PNP Zambales via Liezle Inigo)

SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — Six members of an Aeta community died while three others remained missing after a motorized banca capsized and submerged in Mapanuepe Lake in Barangay Buhawen here Thursday afternoon, police said.

According to a situation update from Zambales Police Provincial Office director P/Col. Benjamin Ariola, the incident was reported at around 2 p.m. Search, rescue and retrieval operations were immediately launched by personnel of the San Marcelino Municipal Police Station, 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, MDRRMO and Bureau of Fire Protection.

Four passengers, including the banca operator, survived the incident. 

The six fatalities were identified as Elvie Tiglao Pabalan, Joanavie Mae Tiglao Pabalan, Sally Serrano Dela Cruz, two-year-old Prince Lenard Serrano Dela Cruz, Evelyn Yurik Lagman, and two-year-old Cedric Paanan Liwanag.

Three passengers remain missing: 26-year-old Arlene Paanan Liwanag, who was reported to be pregnant; five-year-old Andrea Serrano Dela Cruz, and 12-year-old Angelito Serrano Liwanag. 

All 13 passengers were identified as Aeta residents of Sitio Lumibao, Barangay Sta. Fe, San Marcelino.

The members of the indigenous community were reportedly headed home to Sitio Lumibao after going to Buhawen Proper where they got vaccination shots and attended a 4Ps meeting.

Initial investigation revealed  that the banca capsized while traversing the lake reportedly due to overloading. 

The recovered bodies were brought to Fama Funeral for proper disposition.

Search and retrieval operations were suspended at around 6:45 p.m. due to inclement weather, and will resume Friday, Aug. 28, as weather and safety conditions permit. 

The banca operator remains in police custody as authorities consider the filing of charges for reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide.

Related Tags

Zambales Death Aetas
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