PAF joins search for 2 students in Lake Sebu

KORONADAL CITY — Divers of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) have joined local rescuers in searching for two students who went missing last Sept. 15 after their outrigger banca capsized in Lake Sebu in South Cotabato, the police said. Seven other passengers have been saved.

Senior Superintendent Getulio Napeñas, South Cotabato police director, said divers of the PAF 505th Search and Rescue Squadron, based in Sasa, Davao City, have arrived in Lake Sebu town to help find Mayjoy Lazo, 11, and Rosalyn Ankoy, 14, both students of Sta. Cruz Mission and residents of Sitio Tablo, Barangay Lamdalag, Lake Sebu.

The banca, some seven meters long, had nine passengers when it capsized off Isla Taber at about 2:30 pm. of Sept. 15.

Seven of the passengers were immediately rescued by a composite team of the police and local and provincial disaster councils.

Reports said all seven were found floating 500 meters away from the lakeshore of the Lake Sebu town proper a few minutes after the banca had capsized.