Survivors of a tragic boat capsizing incident in Palawan included individuals who were allegedly victims of human trafficking, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

The PCG reported that a total of 11 people were on board the motorboat that capsized near Canibugan Island, Balabac, Palawan on June 8. Among them were several Filipinos who were believed to be on their way to Malaysia.

Of the 11 individuals, eight were rescued, two were reported missing, and one person tragically lost their life on the MBCA Kumpit.

The survivors were fortunate to be rescued by residents and fishermen from a nearby island. Initial investigations revealed that the passengers initially arrived in Puerto Princesa City and were later transferred to the ill-fated MBCA Kumpit after a series of land and sea transfers.

According to the PCG, the survivors shared that their ultimate destination was Malaysia, and they were taking a less conventional route through Bataraza, Palawan. Unfortunately, the boat encountered engine failure, leading to the tragic incident.

Tragically, a female passenger from Cavite lost her life in the capsizing incident. In a separate development, authorities discovered another group of individuals in Rio Tuba, Bataraza, who were suspected to be part of the same illegal human trafficking operation bound for Malaysia.

While these individuals initially claimed to be tourists, authorities are now investigating the connection based on information provided by the survivors of the capsizing incident.