5 killed in Zamboanga City boat explosion

Five people were killed after an explosion hit a motorized boat at a private wharf in Zamboanga City on Monday night.

Three of the fatalities were identified by the authorities as Razdy Imlan, Manzul Abidin and Sidim Tangkahan.

The charred bodies of the victims were recovered by Philippine Coast Guard personnel while clearing the boat marked ML Satellite, which was anchored at a private wharf in the city.

Initial report said the boat explosion happened at past 8 p.m. Fire struck the boat after the explosion, the coast guard said.

Four other crew members of the boat identified as Ardi Jumdain, Asin Nur and brothers Andung and Alsid Sal suffered second- and third-degree burns.

They were confined at the Zamboanga City Medical Center.

Lt. Commander  Alvin Dagalea, commander of the Coast Guard Station in Zamboanga City, said search and retrieval operations were ongoing as of this posting.

Dagalea said they were waiting for the boat's owner -- Isnaji Sajail of Jolo, Sulu -- to arrive at the private wharf before pulling out the wreckage.

Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the explosion. —report from Jayvee Francisco/ALG, GMA News