A MOTOR banca with 12 people on board capsized in Lapu-Lapu City early yesterday morning.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson Lcdr. Algier Ricafrente said motor banca Green Island encountered big waves and capsized at the waters between Marigondon and Caohagan Islet, Olango, Lapu Lapu City, around 12:45 a.m. yesterday.

PO1 Jhon Silmaro of Lapu Lapu City Tourist Police reported the incident to Coast Guard Station Cebu at around 2:37 a.m.

CGS authorities in Cebu immediately directed Coast Guard Detachment Mandaue to confirm the report and render necessary assistance.

The station also dispatched Special Operations Unit Cebu and BRP Davao Del Norte (SARV-3504) to conduct search and rescue operations.

A certain PO2 Guinita later informed CGS Cebu that three survivors were already in their custody while the rest were still missing.

The three were identified as Junnifer Noynoy, Moises Abayan and Jhunrey Eramil.

At around 7 a.m., the Coast Guard together with other motor bancas were able to rescue all the nine missing passengers and brought them to Caohagan Islet.

They were identified as Adelo Abayan, captain of the vessel, Rodillo Espra, Inyang Manilig, Yacko Espra, Rene Sumalinog, Pablo Malado, Eramil Aniana, Cresencio Abano and Juven Paran.

M/Bca Green Island departed Mar Beach, Maribago, Lapu Lapu City, around 10:40 p.m. Saturday and was supposedly on its way to Caohagan Islet, Olango when the incident occurred.