PCG calls for ship owner's accountability in capsized MV Hong Hai 16

A demand letter has been issued to the owner of the capsized MV Hong Hai 16 to ensure full cooperation in the ongoing response operations off the coast of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, an official from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday.

Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla, commander of PCG District Southern Tagalog, stressed the significance of the ship owner's presence in the ongoing response measures.

"As part of the company's social responsibility, the PCG emphasizes the importance of the ship owner's commitment and accountability by sending a representative to directly assist in the coordination and support of ongoing efforts," the PCG said.

The PCG continues its probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident, checking all angles of probability and responsibility as it also intensifies its operations in locating the remaining seven missing individuals.

On Thursday, two more bodies were recovered from inside the capsized MV Hong Hai 16 in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro. The number of confirmed deaths has climbed to 4.

The Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement Response Group – Southern Tagalog already deployed 10 segments or 250 meters of oil spill boom to mitigate possible oil spill resulting from the capsizing.

The PCG has been working closely with the local police, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police Maritime Group, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to maximize all efforts on the ground.

The local government of Rizal is also calling for the ship owner's representative to coordinate and to be physically present to help in the continued efforts and ensure accountability. — VDV, GMA Integrated News