As many as 26 people have been found dead after an overloaded passenger boat capsized in a Philippine lake, while the search continues for those still missing, the Philippine coast guard said on July 28.
Hanoi (VNA) – As many as 26 people have been found dead after an overloaded passenger boat capsized in a Philippine lake, while the search continues for those still missing, the Philippine coastguard said on July 28.
Coast guard spokesman Rear Admiral Armando Balilo said they arenow conducting a "search and retrieval" operation.
"The captain had said there were only 22 passengers but he lateradmitted under questioning by the coast guard that he let many more passengerson board," Balilo said.
The wooden outrigger was carrying about 70 people on its regularrun from a port in Binangonan municipality to the island of Talim in Lagunalake, near the capital Manila, on July 27 when the accident happened. Theboat's maximum capacity was 42.
According to official figures released onJuly 27, 40 people have been rescued, and three others are still missing.Later that evening, authorities towed the ship close to the shore.
♎ Investigations are underway to determine thecause of the accident./.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr on July 7 signed into law a reform measure that writes off about 1.04 billion USD of debts owed by more than 600,000 farmers to help them boost production.
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The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
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Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
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Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
At the site of the accident (Photo: Xinhua) 
