Passenger boat capsizes near Quezon, Polillo Island waters

Polillo Island, Quezon Province, Philippines (Photo By P199 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0)

MANILA— A passenger boat has capsized near the waters of Dinahican, Quezon and Polillo Island, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Thursday.

In a statement, PCG spokesperson Capt. Armand Balilo said Mercraft 3 had allegedly sunk with 251 passengers.

The boat departed from the Ungos Port in Real, Quezon.

Rescue operations are ongoing for the passengers as of news posting time on Thursday evening.

The PCG has coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Command for the deployment of Airforce and Navy assets, while notices to Marines were also issued to assist in the rescue.

As of 4 p.m. Thursday, 61 passengers were rescued. They were: Flodexto Acuesta, Wolver Aguila, Mark Joseph Antonio, Sharon Antonio, Mike Asis, Aldren Atienza, Luzviminda Atendido, Rexel Atentar, Sharina Ayala, Sharmaine Ayala, Ailyn Azaula, Dominique Azenith, Marshal Azores, Lanie Rose Azul, Mark Leonard Azul, Joel Bataen, Limuel Calleja, Maricel Calleja, Ella May Cedeno, Elsie Conde, Reizel Consebibo, JR Correces, Ester De Leon, Noel Dela Cruz, Tyshia Diasanta, Ralph Ronie Durante, Renato Ebaneya, John Encanto, Felisa Encina, Kara Karyl Encina, Maila Evardome, Premo Golbin, John Richmar Imperial, Jhonel Junterial, Ariane Luz, Rezyl Luz, Robert Luz, Rojhun Mancinido, Sheila Mancinido, Joy Marasigan, Lordue Boy Marasigan, Michael Marasigan, Mitchel Marasigan, Fjary Meija, Donnel Jade Mendiola, Aldrian Nanale, Marinel Nava, Michael Pasoot, Alde Portales, John Prinse, Rodolfo Questa, Angeline Ramirez, Jhon Marlon Ramos, Renalyn Rongaterios, Rolan Rutaquio, Joyce Ann San Jose, Lorena San Jose, Beverly Soltura, Roed Sopion, Rohen Sura, and Ryan Villanoza.