Kin of M/V Princess of the Stars victims still seeking justice

CEBU, Philippines – This Sunday will be the first anniversary of the tragic sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars wherein over 800 people died, but until now the families of the victims are still seeking justice and redress.

At least 35 civil cases for damages have been filed before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City against Sulpicio Lines Inc. The families of the victims were assisted by the Public Attorney’s Office.

But for Roel Maglasang, whose mother perished during the tragedy, no amount of reparation is enough to compensate for the life of his mother, Marissa.

As they commemorate the first anniversary of the sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars off Sibuyan Island in Romblon on Sunday, Maglasang called on the Maritime Industry Authority to completely revoke the franchise of SLI.

“Maayo unta nga kanselahon gyud ang prangkisa,” Maglasang said.

Marina has so far allowed the vessels of SLI to ferry cargo pending the completion of the safety requirements. But despite the non-compliance of the safety requirements yet the SLI has been lobbying for the return of its normal operations.

In fact, it has already asked the intercession of Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal to help them request President Gloria Arroyo for the lifting of the suspension of the passenger operations.

The request, however, was turned down by the president until the safety requirements are complied with. The requirements are needed to ensure safety and quality of service that follows international safety and quality standards.

Maglasang said that the government should have learned its lesson after the M/V Princess of the Orient disaster in 1998.

Had the Philippine government taken appropriate action after that tragedy, the M/V Princess of the Stars sinking would not have happened and hundreds of lives would have been spared, he said. — Fred P. Languido/BRP (THE FREEMAN)