Romblon folk prepare for worst as salvage operation stalls

MANILA, Philippines - With the salvaging of the capsized MV Princess of the Stars delayed by at least a week, residents in Romblon have started preparing for a worst-case scenario. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that residents of San Fernando town, the area hardest hit by the tragedy, made makeshift oil spill booms to keep away oil and debris from the ship. San Fernando mayor Nanette Tansingco said they are considering evacuating the residents should oil or other environmental threats from the capsized ship get near the area. Tansingco added many fishermen in the town still cannot get their livelihood back to normal as few people buy their fish catch. Salvage work for the MV Princess of the Stars was delayed at least a week after the salvage firm contracted for the job needed more time to get its equipment to the area. Meanwhile, the task force handling the tragedy ordered the salvage firms to submit their plans to salvage the capsized ship. Coast Guard commandant Vice Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo, officer-in-charge of the task force, said they need a definite timetable and an idea of what the salvage firms will do. - GMANews.TV