4 kids killed, 3 missing after boat sinks off Iloilo

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - Authorities have launched search and rescue operations for the three missing passengers of a motor banca that sank off Iloilo and claimed the lives of four children, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said today.

Investigation revealed that M/Bca Clien, the motor boat with 15 passengers aboard, departed Tambaliza village Friday morning. The passengers were to attend a fiesta in Salvacion village on an island about 1.5 nautical miles away from their port of origin.

While on their way home at around 2:00 p.m. the following day, the motor boat was battered by big waves and strong winds causing it to capsize, the PCG said.

Eight passengers were rescued and immediately brought to a nearby hospital for treatment, it said.

The four children who died in the incident were identified as Reydan Rico, 2; Justin Rico, 4; Jinia Canete, 8; and Hanz Christopher Canete, one month old.