Boat loaded with gunmen sinks in Zambo Sur

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A motor boat loaded with gunmen involved in a firefight between two warring families sank off Zamboanga del Sur late yesterday, causing an undetermined number of casualties, local police said today.

Ariel Huesca, Zamboanga Peninsula police spokesman, said initial investigation showed that the clash between the Moen Lam and Lao families occurred around 5 p.m. Thursday off the coast in Pisaan, Dinas town.

Both parties agreed to meet at the sea for a firefight, a move to solve their problems, Huesca added.

Moen Group from Dimataling town on board a motor boat fell down and sank into the sea with undetermined number of passengers, Huesca said.

He said that the motive of the incident was believed to be family feud, adding that investigation has still been underway.