SIX people were confirmed dead while three others remain missing after a motorized banca capsized at Mapanuepe Lake in Barangay Buhawen, San Marcelino, Zambales, on Thursday, August 27, 2026,

Authorities said 13 people, including the banca's driver, were on board when the incident occurred at around 4 in the afternoon. Four passengers were rescued alive, while six were confirmed dead and three remain missing.

Of the six fatalities, three were adults and three were children.

Initial reports said the passengers were on their way home to Sitio Lumibao after coming from Buhawen Proper, where they had received vaccinations at the barangay center and attended a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) meeting.

Authorities said the banca may have capsized due to overloading, or the excessive number of passengers on board.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing for the three missing passengers. The Incident Operations Center (IOC) is also working to identify and establish the complete identities of the victims.

Authorities are expected to release further details as the rescue and identification operations continue.