10 killed as boat capsizes in southern Philippines

Ten people were killed and two were missing after a motorised boat capsized in a marsh in the southern Philippines, police and local officials said on Wednesday.

Six passengers were rescued on Monday in Liguasan Marsh in Sultan sa Barongis town in Maguindanao province, 960 kilometres south of Manila.

The passengers were on their way home after attending a wake for a relative when their boat was battered by large waves and strong winds, Provincial Police Director Rodelio Jocson said.

The dead included six children, with two boys aged 3 and 5, Sultan sa Barongis Mayor Allan Angas said.

Search operation

Rescuers retrieved the bodies of the victims on Tuesday and were continuing to search for the missing children, he said.

“We are still hoping we could find them,” the mayor said.