By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Nine people were rescued after a motor banca capsized off the coast of Negros Occidental last Friday, February 3.

Realisa Amper, Philippine Coast Guard-Northern Negros Occidental deputy station commander, said based on the report given to them by their substation in the province’s Victorias City, the motor banca, bound for the province’s Manapla town, left Iloilo province’s Ajuy town in the morning.

However, upon reaching the coastal waters of Negros Occidental, the boat was battered by strong waves, causing it to capsize.

Fortunately, several fishing boats were able to rescue the passengers and crew of the vessel.

Amper said no one was hurt in the incident, and they are currently conducting an investigation to find out if the motor banca was authorized to ferry passengers between Ajuy and Manapla./DGB, WDJ