MANILA — Eight people were reported to have drowned in Binangonan, Rizal after the motorbanca they were riding capsized Sunday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Monday.
NDRRMC Executive Director Ricardo B. Jalad identified those killed as Jean Wilfred Orteza, Frederick Orteza, Rolino Pareno, Marylou B. Papa, Demaret Mendoza, Malou Gimena, Weldie Pareno and Jaiannah Jensine Pareno.
He added that the accident took place 1:30 p.m. off the waters of Sitio Wawa, Barangay Libis, Binangonan.
Jalad said the ill-fated craft, with 13 passengers onboard including the eight fatalities, was headed for the “Dimatawaran” fishpond in the locality when it suddenly capsized.
Eight of the passengers drowned while the remaining five were rescued and survived the mishap.
Jalad said an investigation is now ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident. (PNA)