By Alec Go
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said 28 people died while 230 individuals were rescued as of 4:00 p.m. from M/V Lady Mary Joy 3 that caught fire off the waters of Basilan on Wednesday evening, March 29.
PCG District BARMM Commander Commodore Rejard Marfe said search, rescue, and retrieval operations are ongoing on the vessel, which may bring the death toll to a higher figure.
“Sini-search ang barko baka may makita pang casulties sa loob,” Marfe told PTV Digital.
Coastal patrols are also ongoing in the area and in Baluk-Baluk.
Pilas Island Mayor Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh said in a 1:35 p.m. update that 18 cadavers were discovered inside the vessel.
Meanwhile, Marfe said there is no data yet on the exact number of missing passengers.
He said the manifest from Zamboanga only included 205 passengers.
However, there were some security personnel aboard the vessel that were not included in the count.
In a statement, Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman said they are still gathering information on the ground for the situation’s assessment.
A financial assistance of P3,000 was also given to each of the rescued 68 passengers.
“Nakikipag-usap din kami sa mga otoridad at mga opisyal ng lokal na pamahalaan upang siyasatin kung ano ang pwede nating gawin para maiwasan ang ganitong klaseng aksidente,” Hataman said.
“Sa ngayon, inaalam pa natin mula sa mga ahensya tulad ng DSWD at ng mga lokal na pamahalaan sa Basilan kung anong tulong ang maaari pang ibigay sa mga biktima ng insidenteng ito,” she added. – gb
