45 passengers rescued, 7 dead after Romblon boat capsizes

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Forty five passengers and crew were rescued after a motor banca capsized off Romblon on June 9. Seven people died and five passengers also remained missing in the boat accident.

Strong wind and waves battered the ill-fated Mbca Alad Express 2 causing the motor banca to sink in the waters of Barangay Agbudia, Romblon before it could reach Romblon, Romblon.

                                   PHOTO PHIL COAST GUARD

The motorboat carrying more than 50 passengers left Magdiwang in Sibuyan Island at around 9:40 a.m. and was heading to the capital town of Romblon in Romblon Island.

The Philippine Coast Sub-Station Romblon-Romblon immediately deployed its Search and Rescue Teams (SAR) after receiving the report. 

Among those fatalities were identified as Evangeline Chedera, Johnmark Mingo, Josephine Mutia, Cristelle Jane Hawod, Melly Mendezabal from San Fernando, Sibuyan Island; Dr. Laudemir Famarin from Banton Island, Romblon and Anacel Macalipay from Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island, Romblon.

The rescued passengers including six crew members of Mbca Alad Express 2 were brought to Romblon District Hospital in Romblon, Romblon and were declared safe. 

At least five passengers also sustained head injuries and multiple abrasion, the Philippine Red Cross said.  

The passengers rescued were identified as Janeth Cruz, 26; Manny Magcalayao, 30; Jeffrey Francisco, 34; Amor Murchante, 38 and Luisito Manes, 35 from Odiongan, Tablas Island, Romblon.

Jemalyn Male, 50; Fatima Marin, 27; Karl Mobo, 37; Cristine Rodelas, 30; Braulio Paraiso, 54; Eden Villanueva, 60; Eric Madrona, 24; Arthus Acayang, 29; Paolo Tansiongco, 16; Jenepher Marin, 39; Eric Regla, 35 and Gene Tansiongco, 24 from Magdiwang, Sibuyan Island.

Also rescued were Ardy Rollon, 28; Michael Rey, 48; Robert Rabino, 26; Aldon Moreno, 22; Domingo Rapal, 39 from Cajidiocan, Sibuyan Island.

Julio Robiso, 66; China Romero, 30; Shane Vea Relox, 17, Jean Francisco, 28; Cherry Mendezabal, 34; Susaine Gutierrez, 32 and Alberto Mingo, 35 from San Fernando, Sibuyan Island; Raymundo Cometa, 51; Gener Royo, 31 and Joffrey Roa, 28 from Sibuyan; Sarah Mingo, 40 from Bulacan and Fierry John Villanueva, 27 from Mapula, Romblon. 

Other identified rescued passengers were Paterno Concepcion, 15 and Raymond Concepcion, 45 from Batangas; Ricardo Arevalo, 64 from Sta. Mesa, Manila; Jade Taladtad, 23 from Looc, Tablas Island; Jaylord Talde, 43 from Sawang, Romblon; Geronimo Maglana, 58, from Agnay, Romblon.  

Rescue efforts were also conducted by responders from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) and the local government units of Romblon.

In a statement, Romblon congressman Emmanuel Madrona expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.

“I extend my prayers for the healing of those injured and affected by the ordeal and for the peace of the souls of the ones that have tragically passed,” Madrona said. 

The article was originally published by independent online blog Aklan Forum Journal. The unrestricted use in print or radio, publication and distribution of articles are allowed provided the original author and Aklan Forum Journal are credited.