By Jennifer P. Rendon
Seven persons on board an ill-fated motor banca were rescued in the seawaters of Caluya, Antique.
They were identified as Oscar Ducas, 33; Rolando Lumbo, 24; Jake Radam, 28; Cris Cadigal, 42; Thelma dela Cruz, 68; Mylene Sino, 32; and Raymond Sino, 40. All of them are residents of Sitio Panagatan 3, Barangag Harigue, Caluya.
Police Major Frankie Gatila, Caluya police chief, said the group was traveling from Harigue to Caluya Island when they encountered engine trouble with their motor banca around 10:30 pm Monday.
They immediately phoned the police station for assistance.
“Napatyan kuno sila makina kag nagapa-rescue sila,” Gatila said.
Fortunately, a composite team of the Philippine Coast Guard-Caluya and Caluya Police Station was conducting seaborne patrol near the area.
“They were able to respond and reached the victims’ location an hour later,” Gatila said.
Water had already started to seep in the banca.
The victims claimed they were supposed to seek medical assistance, as one of them suffered from diarrhea.
Gatila said the rescue team brought the survivors to the Caluya Rural Health Unit for medical attention.
