6 Aetas, including 3 minors, die as boat capsizes in Zambales

August 28, 2026 | 10:28am

MANILA, Philippines — Six Aetas, including three minors, died after a pump boat or motorbanca capsized in Mapanuepe Lake in San Marcelino, Zambales, on Thursday afternoon, August 27.

In an interview with dzBB on Friday, August 28, Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Noemie Cayabyab confirmed that the boat was carrying 13 passengers when it overturned while crossing the lake.

Four of the passengers survived, while three remain missing.

Cayabyab said that based on survivors’ accounts, they encountered sudden strong winds and rough waters while crossing the lake, which allegedly caused the incident.

“Kung sa karagatan parang lumalabas na parang ito ay subasko. Pero again, ongoing po ang ating isinasagawang investigation kung ano po talaga ang sanhi o yung mga circumstances sa pangyayaring ito,” Cayabyab added.

(If it were at sea, it would appear to be something like a squall. But again, our investigations are ongoing to determine the actual cause or circumstances of this incident.)

The passengers were heading back to their community in Sitio Lumibao after receiving food, medicine and vaccines from the community health center in Barangay Buhawen when the accident occurred.

The pump boat capsized near the partially sunken Santa Barbara Church.

Authorities conducted search, rescue and retrieval operations as soon as the incident was reported but were forced to stop at 6:45 p.m. on Thursday due to bad weather conditions.

On Friday, the PCG said it was set to conduct underwater diving operations and continue surface search and rescue operations with other agencies.

Cayabyab said the lake was only formed in 1991 after the Mount Pinatubo eruption, and there was no established Coast Guard unit or office in the remote area.

Meanwhile, the local government unit of San Marcelino offered its sympathies to the families of the fatalities.