5 dead as boat sinks off Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Five people, three of them minors, were killed while one was still missing after the boat they were riding capsized off Pata island in Sulu province over the weekend. Troops from the military’s Western Mindanao Command were able to rescue 14 people from the ill-fated boat, according to Westmincom spokesman Maj. Eugene Batara. "The boat was carrying 20 passengers, six of them children, on their way to Pata island from nearby Daongdong island when the tragedy struck," Batara said. The military official said huge waves and strong winds last Saturday caused the sinking of the boat. He said one of boat's operators managed to swim to Pata island and sought help. Killed in the incident were Juraisa Taub, 8; Naima Nassir, 35; Patrah Nassir, 5; Gemar Arkan, 4; and Nihma Arkan, 47. The military identified the missing girl as Sinnag Arkam, 5. "Rescuers also exerted efforts to recover the body of Sinnag Arkan but they were not successful. The search and rescue was aborted due to poor visibility and rough sea condition," Batara said. The rescued passengers were identified as Hatib Sakan Aran, 60; Salip Aprson Jaynal, 40; Rakmah Bahari, 45; Admer Hussein, 14; Elein Parson, 8; Benhor Junior Taub, 4 mos; Junior Taub, 27; Hussein Arkan, 40; Ardamir Imbay, 28; Armager Imbay, 14; Nurhima Parson, 13; Edemar Taub, 14; Tungga Uddaman, 45; and Mado Tunnga, 18. Fishermen and civilian divers from Pata island also helped the soldiers in the rescue operation, Batara said. - Al Jacinto, GMANews.TV