BINANGONAN, Rizal (PIA) — The Binangonan local government has pledged to cover all the burial expenses of the 27 passengers who died after MBCA Princess Aya Express capsized in Laguna de Bay on Thursday, July 27.
The Calabarzon RDRRMC officially confirmed the death of 27 passengers, with 14 of them already identified.
Calabarzon Regional Risk Disaster and Management Council (RDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) IV-A Officer-In-Charge Reyan Derrick Marquez said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is closely working with the Binangonan LGU and the RiIzal provincial government to ensure financial assistance to the bereaved families and medical support to the survivors.
“Base sa datos at sa interview sa briefing kanina ni Mayor [Cesar Ynares] ng Binangonan, sasagutin lahat ng local government kung anumang gastos na pangangailangan ng mga residenteng ito. At sa level naman ng province, ‘yun na rin ang [directive] ng governor na tulungan ang lahat ng biktima dito,” Marquez said in an interview with PIA-4A.
The bodies that were recovered were taken to a nearby hospital for appropriate identification.
“Yung na identify, sinundo sila ng kanilang mga pamilya pero yung mga [casualty] ay dinadala sa pinakamalapit na dalawang ospital para ma-identify,” Marquez added.
RDRRMC Calabarzon said that the investigation is still ongoing, while search and rescue operations resume Friday morning.
Authorities allowed the voyage of the motorbanca due to calm seas, but initial investigation show that survivors experienced strong winds in the middle of the voyage which caused panic among passengers. This drove them to one side of the motorbanca, causing it to lose its balance and eventually capsize.
Marquez said, “Mayroon kasing parang ipo-ipo na namuo doon sa gitna nung dagat kasi nung pumalaot naman, clear naman ‘yung tubig. Pero nung nasa malapit na sila sa Talim Island, nagkaroon ng pamumuo ng malakas na hangin, parang ipo-ipo daw. ‘Yun ang dahilan ng pagkabagabag ng mga tao na nasa bangka. Lumipat sila sa kabilang lugar, nagkaroon ng commotion sa loob ng bangka na nagdulot ng pagtaob nito.” (MBL/PB/AM)
Calabarzon Regional Risk Disaster and Management Council (RDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) IV-A Officer-In-Charge Reyan Derrick Marquez closely monitors the investigation being done by the Philippine Coast Guard and Binangonan MDRRMO, Thursday evening. (OCD IV-A)
