Banca sinks in Taal Lake; 2 kids drown, 1 missing

Batangas, Philippines   â€“ Two children aged two and four drowned while a 66-year-old man was reported missing when their banca capsized in Taal Lake off San Nicolas town on Saturday night, authorities said.

The drowning victims were identified as Joseph Medina, two, and Krizza Marie Ramos, four. Still missing was Lorenzo de Villar Jr.

Senior Inspector Ernesto Chavez, San Nicolas police chief, said the victims and seven others were on their way home after attending a graduation ceremony in Balete town when they met the tragedy.

Chavez said the banca tilted when one of the children tried to reach a balloon floating in the lake.

He said the banca appeared overloaded as it could only accommodate four to five passengers.