2 senior citizens drown in Masbate

By Mar S. Arguelles LEGAZPI CITY --- Two elderly persons drowned when their motorized banca capsized on Sunday (June 3) afternoon off the waters of Barangay Tugbo in Mobo town in Masbate, report reaching the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol the other day said. Erna Rabino, 78, widow, of Barangay Hillside Kinamaligan, Masbate City and Teresita Garganera, 59, married, of Cataingan, Masbate drowned while 12 other passengers were rescued by responding fishermen and combined elements of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Mobo town police, Police Senior Inspector Maria Luisa Calubaquib, PNP Bicol spokesperson, reported. The incident occurred at 11:20 a.m., Sunday, when the motorized banca carrying 14 passengers was hit by big waves that caused the boat to overturn, Calubaquib said. Departing from Barangay Cagba, Masbate City, the boat owned by Nila Valencia, 50, married, of Barangay Cagba, was on its way to Sitio Licuson, Barangay Luyong Catungan, Mobo town when the incident happened.