2 DepEd officials die in boat accident off Romblon – PCG

MANILA, Philippines – Two officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) died after the motorbanca they were riding capsized off Romblon Friday.

Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Cmdr. Armand Balilo identified the fatalities as DepEd provincial superintendent Eve Pahutag, 66, and DepEd administration officer Grace Mallorca, 53.

Balilo said the El Padre vessel carrying 55 teachers and nine crew members came from Simara Island and was headed for Romblon, Romblon when it was hit by big waves, causing it to capsize past 12 noon.

“The two [officials] died at the hospital,” he said. He added that all the passengers were wearing life vests.

The other passengers of the boat and its crewmembers were safely rescued.

The teachers reportedly came from a seminar.

Balilo said the PCG is still conducting investigation on the incident, including verification on the passenger capacity of the boat.