Search and rescue operations are still ongoing on the crash site, but the operatives are no long optimistic of finding any survivors in the area eight hours after the crash, the ABS-CBN news channel reported.

The fatalities include a three-year-old boy, a South Korean tourist and a steward, but the other victims have yet to be identified.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered a swift probe into the incident, and has designated Secretary of Transportation and Communication to personally head the investigation work.

The authorities are eyeing engine failure as among the possible reasons behind the crashing of the plane with 29 passengers and five crewmen aboard. The plane has been in service for 16 years or more.

The report also quoted witness as saying that smoke leaked out of the plane body and its tail fin dropped shortly before it as the pilot of the plane tried an emergency landing, but instead dove into the water. The body, broken into half, sank in a few minutes.

(Xinhua News Agency November 11, 2002)