FOUR people, including two women and two minors, tragically drowned after their pump boat capsized in Panguil Bay, off the coast of Barangay Cabgan, Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur.
The victims were identified as Devina Fuentes Aligaya, 38, and Donabelle Fuentes De la Cruz, along with two children aged 3 and 9, all residents of Tangub City, Misamis Occidental.
According to investigations, the boat, carrying 13 passengers, was operated by a 12-year-old driver, Khent Joseph Vergara De la Cruz, when its engine suddenly malfunctioned.
The vessel, which had no outriggers, quickly sank, forcing passengers to jump into the water.
Unfortunately, four passengers failed to reach safety before rescue teams arrived.
The nine survivors, including the young boat operator, were taken to Clinica Ozaraga Doctors Hospital in Bonifacio, Misamis Occidental for medical treatment.
Authorities confirmed that the boat was traveling from Tambulig, Zamboanga del Sur, en route to Barangay Bocator, Tangub City, when the accident occurred.
Rescue teams recovered the bodies of the two women from underwater, while the 9-year-old boy was found lifeless at 9:30 PM on the same day.
The 3-year-old child was retrieved the following morning during continued search operations.
Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the boat’s operation and safety compliance.