Bodies of ferry sinking victims expected Wednesday (3:24 p.m.)
CEBU CITY — Bodies of passengers of Sulpicio’s MV Princess of the Stars, which sank a few meters off central Sibuyan island last Saturday, are set to arrive in Cebu city Wednesday afternoon.
Acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama told relatives of the victims to be tough and ready when the bodies arrive.
“Walay naay gusto nga maabtan ug patay’ng lawas, apan kinahanglan andam ta buhi man o patay (No one wants to receive dead bodies but we need to be ready whether they are alive or dead),” Rama said.
Rama also warned relatives that the dead victims found in Masbate might not be passengers of the MV Princess of the Stars, as there were also other cargo vessels that sunk during the typhoon. He added that the bodies, now in body bags, still have to be identified.
The acting mayor said certain processes would be followed in identifying the bodies.
First, the bodies will be turned over by the management of Sulpicio Lines to the funeral parlors. The bodies then will be examined by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) personnel.
Members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development with members of the Cebu City Social Welfare and Services will give relevant data about the bodies.
According to Rama, the bodies will then be transported to Camp Osmeña, and only authorized representatives can go to the camp to identify the bodies.
He said everyone has to follow a process so that there will be order.
Rama said the conference is only about the bringing of the dead bodies to Cebu.
Other concerns and observations will be dealt with in another appropriate time. He added that there is an ongoing inquiry, and the government and other agencies are doing everything to deal with the tragedy. (Sunnex)
Please List the new names of recoverd dead bodies from MV Princess of the Stars.It’s hard for us here in Canada and our cousins in States to get new updates from our native land Cebu Phils.And it hurts to say Condolence to the people whom their loved ones are still missing. Our thoughts and prayers to all lost people.May your soul be in Peace!