The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has not seen any signs of survivors so far and has now shifted to search and retrieval operations after the recent collision involving F/V Liberty Cinco and a Hong Kong cargo vessel in Occidental Mindoro.
“Ang presumption nga dahil after 2 to 4 days, 5 days, parang ‘yong possibility na may buhay pa ay very slim na. Pero kung may makita, diretso lang tayo, hanapin pa rin natin (There is the presumption that the possibility for survival is slim after 2 to 5 days. But if we see any, we will push through. We will look for them.),” PCG Spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo explained.
The PCG said the bulk courier did not have a hit-and-run collision with the F/V Liberty Cinco because it stayed in the area and its navigational gears were functioning properly. It was not able to conduct rescue operations due to bad weather.
The PCG stood firm in its decision to file charges. “Dahil may nawala, may namatay, may banggaan, at kung mayroong na-violate na batas na would warrant the filing of criminal case, then we will do it (There is loss, death, and collision and if there is any law violated that would warrant the filing of criminal case, then we will do it), Balilo said.
Meanwhile, some of the families of the missing fishermen are not losing hope of seeing them and are seeking justice.
The PCG has already coordinated with its Auxiliary Executive Squadron to help families of the missing fishermen and provide financial aid. – Report from Cleizl Pardilla
