Retrieval ops halted

CEBU, Philippines - For failure to retrieve any more bodies from the ill-fated M/V St. Thomas Aquinas for the past few days, technical divers called a stop to retrieval operations yesterday and decided to focus on the environmental issue.

Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command commander, Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda said that the task group decided to focus now on the siphoning of remaining bunker oil from the vessel.

The task group is composed of the Philippine Navy, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard and civilian volunteers.

Deveraturda said that technical divers have been diving for more than a month now and that they also need to rest as no more bodies have been retrieved recently.

There are still 21 passengers considered missing.

Civilian volunteers have already left the operation but members of the PCG, PN and the PNP are on standby in case there is a need to dive again.

“Itigil na muna ang diving operation kasi nalibot na nila ang buong barko at there were no signs of other bodies,” Deveraturda said.

Deveraturda believes there are still bodies inside the vessel but it is too risky to pursue the operation due to presence of bunker oil and zero visibility underwater.

“We are always hoping na makita na ‘yung iba kasi masakit sa pamilya ng nawalan pero sana kung meron mang makita ang nasa coastal areas, i-inform na agad sa amin,” he said.

Yesterday, the construction of apartment-type tombs for unidentified fatalities of the August 16 sea tragedy started at the Carreta Cemetery. The construction will reportedly last for about seven to eight days.

The budget for the construction reportedly reached P333,804 divided into construction materials P261,804 and labor P72,000.

At least 47 unidentified bodies will be buried in those tombs on Wednesday next week.

An awarding ceremony will also be held later at the Cebu Provincial Capitol to recognize those who helped in the search and retrieval operations.

The MV St. Thomas Aquinas sank after it collided with cargo ship MV Sulpicio Express Siete in Lawis Ledge in Talisay City last August 16.  (FREEMAN)