Strong winds triggered panic among passengers of a ferry traversing Laguna de Bay in Rizal province east of Manila, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 people, while 40 survived.
According to a report from the Associated Press, passengers of M/B Princess Aya rushed to the left side of the vessel when the fierce winds pummeled the wooden vessel, causing it to tilt and capsize.
The incident happened shortly after the vessel left a port in Binangonan and was en route to Talim Island.
The Philippine Coast Guard explained that they allowed the vessel to sail since the storm signal due to Typhoon Doksuri had been lifted.
Boat Overloading
Initial investigation showed that the boat was overloaded.
The ferry was only supposed to carry 42 passengers and crew members, yet it was reported that it had at least 60 passengers on board.
They were also not wearing life vests as required by safety regulations.
Philippine Coast Guard chief Admiral Artemio Abu said two coast guard inspectors authorized the ferry to depart after being presented with a manifest that identified only 22 passengers in addition to the boat's three-member crew.
But the number grew as more individuals were eager to board the vessel. They have been stranded for days since inclement weather prompted the suspension of ferry services earlier that week.
"On his way back to the boat, he said that he saw far too many people have gone onboard and he could no longer convince them to disembark," Abu said. "Those who were stranded had insisted on staying onboard."
The two inspectors have been relieved from their posts and will be investigated.
Seeking justice
Among the victims of the tragedy is 24-year-old Denice, who lives in Rizal.
Her parents, Domingo and Glenda Aparentado, said their daughter was on the way from work when the incident happened.
Domingo told Reuters that he raced to the location after hearing the news and saw his daughter's body in the sea.
"I tried everything I could but she died," he added.
The grieving family is seeking accountability from government officials following the incident.
A local media outlet reported that the Coast Guard is wrapping up its investigation and looking to file complaints against the crew and captain of the vessel.
The captain of the boat is now in the custody of authorities, but he claims that he is not aware that the ship is overloaded.
The Passenger Ship Safety Certificate of the motorized banca Princess Aya is also suspended effectively immediately until further notice from this authority.
Lawmakers are also pushing for a Senate hearing regarding the deadly occurrence.
Senator Grace Poe is pushing the authorities to pursue a "thorough and airtight investigation" to hold people accountable for the tragedy.
"This is infuriating and saddening. The loss of so many lives-whether it's due to negligence or possibly corruption-should not be taken lightly... Whoever is responsible for this tragedy should be held accountable," Poe said in a press release.
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