Calayan mayor says tragedy an 'eye opener'

TUGUEGARAO, Philippines – The recent sea tragedy in the seas off Aparri in Cagayan should serve as an eye opener for the government to focus some of its priorities to the almost forgotten Calayan Island, which is part of the Babuyan Group of Islands located at the northernmost tip of the Philippines.   In an interview on radio, Llopis said that while he is not blaming anybody for the yearend disaster, it is high time that the government should extend some help to the small island town.   “I wish the government can help us acquire a more decent and sea worthy vessel so that whenever our people go to the mainland, they will not have to always sail in fear," he said.   The ill-fated M/B MaeJan, a small motorized boat used by the Calayan residents in their travels going to mainland Appari, met its fateful end on December 14, taking with it more than 40 people to their demise.   Early reports said that the small boat was overcrowded with double its capacity of 50 passengers.   According to the mayor, M/B Maejan is was not r rough sea travels since it is already out-dated being one of the older sea vessels available to the Calayan residents.   “We are asking help from our government, the local government of Calayan is ready and willing to work with the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), to acquire a newer and bigger sea worthy mode of transportation for our residents, “he added.    The Babuyan group of Islands which Calayan belongs to is situated along the Luzon Straits in the northern most part of the country where two bodies of water namely - the South China Sea and the Philippine Sea converge.   The huge waves generated by the confluence of these large bodies of water, make sea travel dangerous all year round even in fair weather. - GMANews.TV