LEGAZPI CITY —– Two elderly persons drowned when their motorized banca capsized on Sunday afternoon in the waters off Barangay (village) Tugbo in Mobo town in Masbate, report reaching the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol said on Monday.
Erna Rabino, 78, a widow of Barangay Hillside Kinamaligan, Masbate City; and Teresita Garganera, 59, married of Cataingan, Masbate; drowned while 12 others passengers were rescued by responding fishermen and combined elements of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Mobo town policemen, according to Police Senior Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PNP Bicol spokesperson.
The incident occurred at 11:20 a.m. Sunday when the motorized banca, carrying 14 passengers, was hit by big waves and overturned, Calubaquib said.
The boat, owned by Nila Valencia, 50, married of Barangay Cagba, Masbate City, was on its way from Barangay Cagba to Sitio Licuson, Barangay Luyong Catungan, Mobo town when the incident happened.
All the passengers were going to Mobo town to visit the sister of Erna (victim), said Calubaquib. (Mar Serrano/PNA)
