2 die as boat sinks off Tawi-Tawi

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Two workers of the Bangsamoro regional government’s Project Tabang died after their motorized boat capsized in the waters off Tawi-Tawi yesterday morning.

The fatalities, identified as Muamar Nonongan and Acram Sairila, were among a team of humanitarian workers headed to Tandubas Island to conduct community services.

The workers were sailing toward the island when they encountered big waves, causing their boat to capsize, according to a report submitted by the provincial government of Tawi-Tawi to Brig. Gen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, Bangsamoro police director.

Responding members of a rescue team found Nonongan and Sairila dead. The rest of the workers were given medical attention.

Project Tabang is a flagship program of the Bangsamoro government, which aims to help people, especially the poor and victims of armed conflict and natural disasters.

12 rescued off Palawan

Meanwhile, 12 fishermen have been rescued from a distressed boat in the waters off El Nido in Palawan, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The PCG deployed its BRP Melchora Aquino, which found the fishing boat Bart-2 near Cabuli Island on Friday.

The fishermen said they were sailing near El Nido when their boat’s engine malfunctioned and conked out.

The PCG said all 12 fishermen were found in good physical condition.

Navy assists distressed South Korean vessel

The Naval Forces Northern Luzon assisted a South Korean-flag vessel that got stuck in the waters off Ilocos Norte on Wednesday.

Maj. Anthony Pueblas, public information officer of the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), said the Maritime Situation Awareness Center-North and the Naval Monitoring Detachment-Pasuquin detected an emergency call sent by the motor vessel Udosarang 1.

Reports said the vessel developed mechanical trouble as it was sailing in the waters off Burgos town.

The Navy deployed its BRP Nestor Reinoso, which escorted the Udosarang  toward the port of Sual in Pangasinan.

Pueblas said the vessel has nine Filipino crewmembers on board. –  Ghio Ong, Artemio Dumlao