By I. Inojales | 07:10 PM October 24, 2026
GETAFE, Bohol — Seventeen personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) were rescued after the motorized banca they were riding sank in the waters off Barangay Nasingin here shortly after noon on Friday, Oct. 23, police said.
The Bohol Police Provincial Office (BPPO) said the sea suddenly turned rough as the passengers were traveling back to mainland Getafe from Barangay Jagoliao, where they attended the turnover ceremony of a classroom building funded by the TORM Foundation for Jagoliao Elementary School.
The white motorized banca, identified as “LAILA,” sank upon reaching the waters off Barangay Nasingin.
The passengers were rescued by another motorized banca, “IVAN,” and a group of local fishermen. They were brought safely to the Getafe port.
The banca operator remained aboard the sinking vessel and was later rescued by personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Getafe.
One of the passengers was taken by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to Dagohoy Memorial Hospital in Inabanga for medical attention.
The patient was later referred to Holy Name University Medical Center in Tagbilaran City for further treatment.
Police said personal belongings and government-issued items recovered from the passengers were placed under the custody of the PCG in Getafe.
