Mayor: Around 2,000 stranded By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The search for survivors following the series of mishaps in the Iloilo Strait over the weekend entered its second day yesterday morning as authorities expanded the search area. According to the latest information from the inter-agency command center, there are a confirmed 28 fatalities with six still missing.
Following daybreak yesterday, rescue personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Air Force, and Philippine Navy expanded their search areas. PCG dispatched the BRP Cape Engaño to search the shore area of Dumangas, while the Philippine Navy sent a patrol vessel from its base in Cebu City to the area of Banate and Ajuy in Iloilo.
The PCG station in Bacolod City, meanwhile, ordered all ships still operating and passing through the Iloilo Strait to be on the lookout for the missing individuals.
Jordan Mayor Ruben B. Corpuz said his current priorities are to ensure stranded passengers in Iloilo and Guimaras safely reach their intended destinations.
He said at least 2,000 passengers remain stranded at the town’s port and the Parola Wharf in Iloilo City.
The mayor pointed out, the roll-on/roll-off vessel, which was allowed to continue operating to transport stranded passengers, is able to accomodate 300 passengers at a time.
Corpuz added, on the morning prior to the mishap, weather and sea conditions in the Iloilo Strait is still favorable. The weather changed around 12:15 p.m. when the waterway between Iloilo and Guimaras became rough with heavy rains experienced in the area.
Following the incident, the mayor said he plans to meet with boat transport operators and the families of those killed in the tragedy.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident./DGB, WDJ
The search for survivors following the series of mishaps in the Iloilo Strait over the weekend entered its second day yesterday morning. (Dumangas MDRRMO photo)Jordan Mayor Ruben B. Corpuz said at least 2,000 passengers remain stranded at the town’s port and the Parola Wharf in Iloilo City. (Ian Paul Cordero photo)The most recently recovered fatality from last weekend’s Iloilo Strait disaster was found by Philippine Coast Guard personnel early yesterday morning. Authorities have yet to identify the remains. (Office of Civil Defense-Region VI photo)
