Boat sinks off Agusan Norte; passenger dies, 2 others missing

MANILA, Philippines - A passenger was killed and two others were reported missing after a motorized boat capsized in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte last Tuesday, whom disaster management officials described as the first Holy Week casualties this year.

Blanche Gobenciong, chief of the Office of Civil Defense Caraga, said MB Lake Cruiser capsized along Lake Mainit near Sitio Sibayugan, Barangay Bunga in Jabonga town at about 4:30 p.m.

She said the fatality who drowned was identified as Melucina Mahilum, 63.

Gobenciong said two passengers were reported missing, namely Antonette Sebian, 36, and Kris Alimpus, 10. Local fishermen and policemen rescued the other passengers and crew of the boat.

Another passenger, Susan Beldimisa sustained injuries and is now confined at a local hospital.

The passengers were guests of Casili Lakeside Resort in Mainit, Surigao del Norte. The passengers were reportedly sightseeing when the incident happened. 

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director Benito Ramos said the cause of the incident is still being investigated.

He said one possible cause is the overloading of the motorized boat.

“We would like to remind local governments to enforce the regulations against overloading. They should make sure that all the passengers of water vessels are listed in the manifest,” Ramos said.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Lt. Col. Algier Ricafrente said the boat encountered huge waves, which damaged its outrigger and caused it to capsize and sink.

Lake Mainit is the fourth largest and the deepest lake in the Philippines with maximum depth reaching 223 meters. It is located in northeastern Mindanao and straddles the provinces of Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte.

Transportation and Communications Secretary Manuel Roxas II ordered the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the PCG to implement a crackdown against unregistered sea vessels especially motorized boats used by tourists.

Lawyer Nicasio Conti, deputy administrator of Marina and DOTC spokesperson, said that the crackdown would focus on resorts that offer “island-hopping” or other tours to their guests and visitors.

He stressed that Marina registration ensures that all water-going vessels are “equipped with life saving appliances like life jackets, life rings, etc. and must have communication equipment on board.  It must also have passenger insurance coverage and must be operated by competent and qualified crew.”

Conti appealed to domestic and foreign tourists to exercise vigilance, for their own safety, by ensuring that the safety protocol is observed and complied with by the operators before boarding any vessel.

“Passengers should check if the name of the vessel or banca is prominently displayed at the fore part of the banca and the registration number at the aft portion,” Conti explained.

According to Marina circulars, those operating without the necessary permit will be sanctioned with a fine ranging from P10,000 to P100,000 depending on the size of the vessel. 

The seaman’s book of the crew involved will likewise be confiscated without prejudice to any criminal prosecution.

PCG commandant Admiral Edmund Tan said that they would strictly enforce and implement these circulars to ensure the safety of tourists and travelers this Holy Week. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome ordered all police units nationwide to intensify security in their areas to ensure the safety of the public during Holy Week and summer vacation.

Bartolome inspected several bus terminals in Metro Manila yesterday, Holy Wednesday, which is considered the “peak” time of the exodus of Metro Manila residents and workers to the provinces.

“From what I’ve seen during the inspections from bus terminals in Pasay City and in Quezon City, I think our police units have prepared adequate security measures to ensure the safety of the people going to the provinces,” Bartolome told reporters. – With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Rainier Allan Ronda