Six people were confirmed dead while three others remained missing after a motorized banca capsized at Mapanuepe Lake in Barangay Buhawen, San Marcelino, Zambales, on Thursday, August 27.
According to an initial situation report, 13 people, including the boat driver, were aboard the motorized banca when it overturned at around 4:40 p.m. while traveling from Buhawen Proper toward Sitio Lumibao.
The passengers were reportedly on their way home after receiving vaccinations and attending a meeting for the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) at the Barangay Center.
Authorities said the boat reportedly capsized due to overloading.
Of the 13 people aboard, four survived, while six were confirmed dead, including three adults and three children.
Three others remain missing, including a five-year-old child, a 12-year-old child, and a pregnant adult.
A search and rescue operation is ongoing at Mapanuepe Lake as authorities continue efforts to locate the missing passengers.
The Incident Command Post (ICP) is still working to identify all victims, while authorities said further updates will be released as information becomes available.
