16 government employees rescued in sea mishap off Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 16 government health workers and their police escorts were rescued after their motorized banca capsized yesterday morning east of this city.

The city health workers, personnel from the Department of the Interior and Local Government and police escorts came from Tumaluptap Island, where they conducted a medical and humanitarian mission.

Tumaluptap chairman Jomer Abunawas said fisherfolk and villagers rescued the victims and salvaged some of their belongings.

“We immediately conducted the rescue and all the victims are safe and sound,” he said.

The 2nd Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company later brought the victims back to the city using their speedboat.