Ferry sinks off Surigao coast

BUTUAN CITY – A passenger ferry launch cruising between Surigao City and Siargao Islands sank off Surigao City coast at past 2 p.m. yesterday, the Coast guard office here said.

Belated reports reaching this capital of the Caraga region said that M/V Leonida left Surigao City past 12 noon carrying around 58 passengers, including Del Carmen Municipal Mayor Arlene Navarro.

At least 16 passengers were reportedly killed while others remain missing as of press time.

It was not immediately known what caused the sinking of M/V Leonida.

Meanwhile, Coast guard personnel are still scouring the rough seas hoping to locate survivors, including Mayor Navarro.

Navarro was on her way to Del Carmen town here to consult her constituents regarding her plan to run for congresswoman in Surigao’s first district. The incumbent congresswoman Glenda Ecleo is the mother of cultist group Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) leader Ruben Ecleo Jr.

Surigao City port authorities hinted that the motor launch was overloaded with cargo, mostly personal belongings, and 300 sacks of cement. — Ben Serrano