Filtered By: Topstories
News

Survivor denies her loved ones were taking selfies when boat capsized


Grace Parreño, one of the survivors of the boat accident in the waters of Binangonan, Rizal on Monday denied allegations that she and her loved ones were taking selfies before the vessel overturned.

Parreño recalled the accident where she lost her husband, her two-year-old daughter and other relatives.

According to Mariz Umali's report on "24 Oras", their group was supposed to attend a birthday party at the Dimatawaran fishpen when they met the mishap.

"Parang inaano nila na kasalanan pa namin kasi nagselfie-selfie kami. Hindi naman po totoo 'yun eh. Kasi kung totoong nagselfie kami, 'yung cellphone dapat nahulog sa tubig. Pero 'yung cellphone nasa bag eh," Grace said.

"Siyempre masakit. Nahawakan ko pa asawa ko sa kamay, kita ko, hawak-hawak niya ang anak namin. Kaso parang di ko alam kung tinutulak ako ng kamay o tinatapakan ako. Masakit pa nga 'yung dito ko eh. Lumulubog po ako," she added.

"Nung parang di ko na talaga kaya, nag-give up na ako. Tapos sinabi ko na lang sa isip ko na 'Diyos ko, kayo na pong bahala sa akin.' Nagising ako nasa bangka na ako nirerevive na ako," Grace said.

The victim also said they had no idea that the boat they had rode was not intended for passengers.

The small vessel was for cargo.

According to Grace, their camp had no plans of filing a complaint as what happened was an accident. She is seeking financial assistance so she could bring the remains of her loved ones to Capiz.

Eight people were killed in the incident after the boat sank at a part of Laguna Lake near Binangonan when passengers supposedly rushed to one side to take a selfie.

Initial report said some of the victims were trapped between the boat and mire of the fishery and were unable to swim up to the surface or push up the heavy fiberglass boat.

Investigation is still ongoing on the incident. —Anna Felicia Bajo/NB, GMA News

LOADING CONTENT