Search for 5 missing ferry passengers off Tawi-Tawi halted

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday suspended the search for five missing passengers from a vessel that sank off Tawi-Tawi Wednesday, an official said.

Lt. Laberny Ikan, PCG-Tawi-Tawi station chief, said big waves continued to batter the province since Friday due to tropical storm “Lawin.”

At least seven persons died while 15 were rescued when the ferry sank near Barangay Sipangkot in Sitangkail town.