Six killed in Laguna Lake boat mishap

Six people died when a boat bound for Jala-jala, Rizal capsized on Maundy Thursday while crossing the Laguna Lake, a report by GMA News' Bam Alegre on Balitanghali said Sunday. 

The report did not identify the victims. 

Nine other passengers survived the accident, including the two passengers who swam toward the town of Pili to call for help. 

One of the survivors, John Paul Lacson, said they were floating and waiting for help for about five hours after the boat sank. 

"Paglubog ng bangka, naiangat ko 'yung cellphone ko (at) nakita ko 'yung oras 3:43. Limang oras pong palutang-lutang sa dagat na wala na po kaming magawa," Lacson said. 

The bodies of four of the six victims have yet to be recovered due to the strong current.

The Philippine Coast Guard said overloading may have caused the boat to capsize, which was later denied by the boat's driver, Billy Joel Estacio. 

Estacio is now under the custody of the Pila Municipal Police. He may face a complaint of reckless imprudence resulting to multiple homicide if he is proven guilty.

Cagayan River

Meanwhile, four persons drowned in the Isabela portion of Cagayan River last Friday including 19-year-old Glen Dela Cruz who was having a picnic with his friends in Barangay Lalog 2 in Luna town.

Rodolfo Talamayan was also having a picnic when he fell on the river. Authorities are still searching for his body as of posting time.

Thirty-year-old Anthony Amid also drowned in the portion of Reina Mercedes. He was reportedly drunk before drowning.

A 36-year-old individual also drowned in Echague town. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KG, GMA News