(Eagle News)–The death toll in the Guimaras, Iloilo sea tragedy has risen to 31.
The Philippine Coast Guard said more bodies were retrieved from the seas where three motorboats capsized over the weekend after they were hit by a sudden gust of wind and strong waves.
Earlier, the Office of the Civil Defense said 26 fatalities had been so far recorded.
Those that capsized were Chi-Chi, which had 43 passengers and 4 crew members; Keziah, with three crew members; and the Jenny Vince, which had 39 passengers and crew members.
Some of those rescued were brought to the Jubilee Hall in Iloilo, and were assisted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other government agencies and volunteers.
Others were taken to the joint command center, Eagle News learnt.
Trips of motorboats plying the route between Iloilo and Guimaras remain suspended as of Sunday.
On Monday, Aug. 5, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said rains will prevail as Tropical Storm “Hanna” moves and the southwest monsoon affects Luzon and Visayas.