By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman expressed condolences to the families of passengers who died in a fire-razed passenger vessel late Wednesday night, March 29.
“We expressed our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the passengers who died in a fire that struck a passenger vessel off the coast of Basilan,” Hataman said.
According to Hataman, they are in the process of gathering details about the incident in order to plan their next steps in assisting the victims.
Hataman reported that his office has so far distributed P3,000 in cash aid and another P2,000 from the Department of Social Welfare and Development to each survivor.
He added that they have coordinated with the authorities and local government officials for the conduct of investigation of the incident.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard Station Isabela, a total of 160 passengers of the vessel survived, while 29 died.
Of this, 11 were recovered in the waters off Baluk-Baluk Island, while the remaining 18 were recovered inside the ship. – cf
