Two fishermen reportedly perished and six others were rescued after the motorbanca they were riding sank in the vicinity waters off Barangay Manglit, Pintuyan, Southern Leyte, on Christmas day, Dec. 25.

According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the eight fishermen were sailing for a fishing venture when strong winds and big waves due to bad weather surfaced in the vicinity waters off San Ricardo, Southern Leyte.

The eight attempted to drop off away from the shore but their motorbanca submerged, the Coast Guard said.

The state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier reported that the combination of the shear line and northeast monsoon is causing continuous heavy rains and floods in several areas in Visayas and Mindanao.

The PCG said the two deceased were identified as Aldin Pagkalinawan and Roel Jalil who are both residents of Misamis Oriental.

Meanwhile, the six injured are residents of Pagadian City, namely Romeo Cabalida, Tommy Descartin, Kenneth Preguli, Garry Descartin, Artaliodo Talledo, and Guillermo Habagat.

“The MDRRMO Pintuyan coordinated with the concerned LGUs [local government units] to further assist the rescued fishermen and the bereaved families of the deceased individuals,” the Coast Guard said.