4 die as fishing boat sinks off Bataan

BALANGA, Bataan, Philippines — Four fishermen died while one was reported missing when a fishing boat capsized in the waters off Bataan last week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported yesterday.

The PCG identified the fatalities as Edgar Balboa, 50; Tirso de Guia, 45; Gregorio Limboc, 43, and Alexander Mesina, 52, all crewmembers of F/B Twin Sister.

Authorities are still searching for Jemar Dacillo, 26, also a resident of Nasugbo.

The PCG said 45 people were rescued in the incident that occurred last Thursday in the coastal waters of Bagac.

The Twin Sister, skippered by Capt. Gregorio Abong, was battered by strong winds and big waves, causing it to capsize, according to SN2 Bidin Babah of the PCG-Morong substation.

Abong was among the survivors.

Bohol sea mishap

Meanwhile, all 165 passengers and crewmembers of the M/V Mama Mary-Chloe, which caught fire and capsized as it was sailing from Bohol to Leyte, have been accounted for.

One died in the incident that occurred on Sunday. The rest were rescued and given medical attention.

A passenger earlier reported missing has been located and identified as Andy Toniacao, 32, of Hilongos, Leyte, the PCG said.

Authorities said Toniacao survived and immediately left the area, prompting the PCG to report him as missing.

Toniacao said he was traumatized by the incident, causing him to leave immediately.

The PCG said no oil spill was found in the area where the Mama Mary-Chloe caught fire and submerged.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the blaze. – Evelyn Macairan, Bebot Sison Jr.