Board member asks SLI to compensate lost cargo

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Provincial Board Member Wilfredo Caminero has asked the Sulpicio Lines Incorporated to pay him P250,000 as compensation for his lost cargo during the sinking of MV Princes of the Stars last year.

In his letter to the SLI management, Caminero said he is claiming the amount as he is no longer interested in retrieving his lost cargo.

“We hope you will grant this request as this will give you more time in the determination of our claim,” Caminero’s letter to the SLI management said.

The MV Princess of the Stars capsized off Sibuyan Island in Romblon on June 21, 2008 in the wake of Typhoon Frank, killing more than 700 passengers and crew.

Caminero, who owns the Alta Tiera Mining and Development Corp. in Argao, said: “we would like to request that our one-year period to file the corresponding action in court be extended by three months computed from June 20, 2009 or up to Sept. 20, 2009.”

Built in 1984 with a total passenger capacity of 1,992, the MV Princess of the Stars was the flagship of the SLI.

Its sinking was not first involving the shipping firm. SLI also owned the MV Doña Paz, MV Doña Marilyn and MV Princess of the Orient that were also capsized. — Garry B. Lao/LPM (THE FREEMAN)