ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two persons died and 17 others were rescued when a boat locally known as jungkong capsized off the coast of Patikul, Sulu due to inclement weather on Thursday.
The fatalities were identified as Suhula Radjuli, 70, and Sitti Kalasahan Radjuli, 33.
Rear Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., Naval Forces Western Mindanao commander, said the accident occurred in the waters off Bakungan Island.
Adaci said personnel of the Naval Task Group Sulu and 4th Marine Brigade under Col. Hernanie Sungano learned of the accident when they responded to the distress call of another boat, M/L Putlli Dahiran.
Sungano said rescue operations were conducted after the soldiers chanced upon three passengers of the jungkong, including an infant, drifting at sea.
The crew of the distressed boat, on the other hand, managed to revive the engine at sea. The passengers and crew were brought to safety to a pier on Bangas Island.