According to a recent report released by the Joint Iloilo City-Guimaras Incident Command Post, of the 31 confirmed fatalities from last weekend’s tragedy in the Iloilo Strait, 10 were from Guimaras, the most of any area.
While those originating from Guimaras comprised nearly two-thirds of the total individuals, the report also found, of the total 10 passengers from Cebu, eight were counted among the fatalities.
The report also noted the MV Jenny Vince, which carried seven fewer passengers than the MV Chi-Chi, saw nearly twice as many casualties, 20 to 11. The former was also reportedly carrying seven passengers not listed on the vessel’s manifest.
As a result of the incident, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) earlier ordered the indefinite suspension of motor banca operations between Iloilo City and Guimaras as they conduct further investigations.
In a social media post by the agency, they mentioned convening the Maritime Crisis Management Committee last Monday and having sent a team of investigators to Iloilo City. The said team is tasked with helping local officials in the search for the remaining missing passengers.
The Marina-Region VI office has since set up a help desk as a means of better coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, and local government units./WDJ