By: Sylmar Calata Hora
SAN MARCELINO, Zambales — Six people, including three children, were confirmed dead while three others remain missing following a drowning incident involving a motorized banca at Mapanuepe Lake in Barangay Buhawen, San Marcelino, Zambales, authorities reported as of 4:40 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2026.
Authorities corrected the initial report and said 13 individuals, including the driver of the motorized banca, were on board when the incident occurred.
Four individuals survived the incident, while six casualties—three adults and three children—were confirmed dead. Three others remain missing: a 5-year-old child, a 12-year-old child, and one pregnant adult.
The victims were reportedly on their way home to Sitio Lumibao after coming from Buhawen Proper, where they had received vaccination at the Barangay Center and attended a meeting under the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).
Initial information indicated that the motorized banca overturned while traversing the lake, reportedly due to overloading.
Responding authorities and rescuers continue search and retrieval operations for the three missing individuals. The Incident Operations Center (IOC) is also still working to identify and verify the identities of all victims.
Authorities said further updates will be released as soon as additional information becomes available.