There are things to do but much to say…
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed the Department of National Defense (DND) to prioritize the rescue operations of the Super Ferry 9 passengers which sunk this morning at the Zamboanga Peninsula.
In a radio interview over DZRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Administrator Anthony Golez said that due to the President’s order for immediate rescue operations, the Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) were all swift in their actions and already rescued 877 victims in the vicinity of Batarompon Point, west of Zamboanga Peninsula. The authorities are now looking for the rest of the passengers of the sunken ship.
Golez added the Super Ferry 9 was loaded with 847 passengers and 112 crews on board. He, however, said that there are three casualties recovered so far as the operations are on-going.
He noted that officials from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Health (DOH) are currently assisting the victims and their families. The injured victims were taken to a nearby hospital.
In an advisory issued by the Aboitiz Transport System, owner of the sunken passenger ship, it stated that PAF has deployed two PAF helicopters and 1 OV-10 plane to assist in the search and rescue operations. The Philippine Army has also deployed a helicopter. The US Air Force assistance group based in Zamboanga has likewise deployed their helicopters to join the search.
All rescued passengers and crew will be brought to Zamboanga port. Assistance such as medical, hotel accommodation and transport needs are on standby for the passengers and crew. Super Ferry 1 is estimated to arrive in Zamboanga tonight to transfer passengers from Zamboanga to Iloilo and Manila.
The sunken Super Ferry 9 was bound for Iloilo and left General Santos City on Saturday morning. (PND)
