**Article:**
Search and rescue teams are actively working to locate 10 individuals still missing after a passenger ferry sank off the coast of a southern province in the Philippines. The incident occurred on Monday, resulting in the confirmed deaths of 18 people. Authorities have deployed boats and personnel to assist survivors and recover those unaccounted for.
The ferry was carrying a number of passengers when it capsized, though details about the cause of the accident have not yet been released. Efforts are ongoing to provide medical aid to rescued passengers and to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sinking.
Local officials have urged residents to stay clear of the area to facilitate rescue operations and have promised updates as more information becomes available.
**Why this matters:**
Maritime accidents remain a significant safety concern in the Philippines, where ferry travel is a common mode of transportation between islands. This tragedy highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring passenger safety and the importance of effective emergency response measures in the region.
Source: NewsData