Death toll in Philippine ferry mishap rises to 5

MANILA, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- The death toll in the Philippine ferry mishap has risen to five, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said on Friday.

"All 252 passengers and crew have been accounted for," NDRRMC spokesperson Romina Marasigan said.

Most of the passengers were heading to the province to celebrate the holidays with their loved ones.

The passenger ferry sank off Infanta town in Quezon province in heavy waves shortly before noon on Thursday while en route to a Polio Island, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.

The PCG said the ferry sank five nautical miles off Infanta town in Quezon province, southeast of Manila.

The PCG said the vessel has a gross tonnage of 206.27, net tonnage of 61.88 and capacity of up to 286 passengers.

The cause of the disaster is still not known, the PCG said. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said a probe has been launched to look into the sea mishap.

"Our coast guard had immediately conducted search and rescue operations for the crew and passengers of the ferry following the tragedy," Roque said in a statement.

He added that "investigations have started to determine what caused this sea mishap even as we call on our transport officials to exercise due diligence in the performance of their duties especially with the expected huge influx of travellers to the provinces this holiday season." Enditem