Salvaging experts to start toxic removal from capsized ferry Aug. 30

A team of salvaging experts will arrive in Manila on Aug. 29 to begin the removal of toxic chemicals found inside the sunken M/V Princess of the Stars, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) announced yesterday.

The team will bring with them the necessary salvaging equipment needed to take the toxic cargo out of the capsized vessel. 

In an interview on the weekly radio program “Para Sa Iyo Bayan” of Vice President Noli De Castro, DOTC Undersecretary for Maritime Affairs Ma. Elena Bautista said the team would begin the salvaging operation in Sibuyan Island on Aug. 30.

Bautista said Sulpicio Lines has already paid $7.5 million to Titan to conduct the salvaging operations on the ill-fated ship. Close to 700 people perished in the sea tragedy.

Meanwhile, two more civil cases were filed yesterday against Sulpicio Lines, bringing the number of civil cases filed against the company to 10.

Charges of gross negligence, reckless imprudence and breach of contract were filed against the shipping company, ship captain Florencio Marimon, SLI president Enrique Go, executive vice-president Carlos Go, VP and chief executive Carlos Go, senior VP Victorino Go and other vice-presidents Dominador Go, Ricardo Go, Edward Go and Edgar Go.

Rogelyn Escaran filed their complaint before the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City, demanding payment of actual and compensatory damages amounting to P20.7 million and moral and exemplary damages amounting to P800,000 for the death of her husband Ramil, who was one of the passengers of the Princess of the Stars.

The other complainants, Norma Himaya and minors Ryan Jersi Himaya and June Rovic Visitacion, are asking the shipping company to pay them an amount of P2.2 million in actual and compensatory damages and another P800,000 in moral and exemplary damages for the death of Jerluna Himaya, the daughter of Norma and the mother of the two minors.

The amount was based on the estimated earnings of both of the victims.

The shipping company was also asked to pay an amount equivalent to 20 percent of the total monetary award as attorney’s fees pursuant to RA 9406 (Public Attorney’s Office Law).

The Public Attorney’s Office, through Chief Public Attorney Persida Rueda-Acosta, assisted the plaintiffs in filing the charges.

Both of the complainants said the ship’s sinking was caused by the company’s gross negligence, reckless imprudence and breach of contract.

Himaya also said that SLI released their insurance amounting to P200,000 but not before compelling them to sign SLI’s unilaterally prepared release and quitclaim, which absolved completely the shipping company from any liability to the complainant for the death of her daughter.

Earlier, 18 other relatives of the victims filed a petition asking Marina to cancel the franchise of SLI. Fourteen PAO staffers signed the petition.

They cited in their petition that 33 vessels operated by Sulpicio have encountered sea accidents since 1980.

They said they want to prevent Sulpicio from endangering more lives of passengers that they transport.

International environment experts warned about the safety risks associated with the hazardous chemicals contained in the wreck.  

Meanwhile, Australia advised its nationals to avoid sea travel in the Philippines, saying it is hazardous because ferries lack necessary life-saving equipment. – Pia Lee- Brago