A passenger boat capsized on Thursday, July 27, at the waters of Laguna De Bay in Binangonan, Rizal.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that MBCA Princess Aya capsized at around 1PM after the passengers panicked, and went to the port side of the vessel due to strong winds.
As of Friday, July 28, PCG said that at least 26 passengers perished, and rescued 40 others.
Donald Añain, the captain of MBCA Princess Aya, admitted that the passenger manifest listed only 22 people for the trip.
Añain explained that more passengers boarded the vessel when he went to the Coast Guard.
"Kahit ayaw mo ng pasakayin sila, yung pasahero ang nagagalit, at isakay na daw sila," the boat captain told reporters.
Añain said that the MBCA Princess Aya has a maximum passenger capacity of 42 people.
The capsizing happened hours after Typhoon Egay left the Philippine Area of Responsibility, and authorities lifted the suspension in sea travel.
