Palace assures victims of probe on capsized ferry

Malacanang on Friday assured the victims of the fast ferry that capsized off Quezon province that the government was already investigating the incident.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed the government’s sympathy to the victims of the fast craft MV Mercraft 3 that capsized off Infanta town in Quezon on Thursday morning.

“We are saddened by the unfortunate incident involving Mercraft 3, which capsized between Dinahican, Quezon and Polilio Island,” Roque said in a statement.

He said the Philippine Coast Guard had immediately conducted search and rescue operations for the crew and passengers of the ferry following the tragedy.

“Investigations have started to determine what caused this sea mishap even as we call on our transport officials to exercise due diligence in the performance of their duties especially with the expected huge influx of travellers to the provinces this holiday season,” he said.

As of Friday morning, the acting Quezon disaster risk reduction and management council chief, said the death toll from the sinking of the fast craft has risen to 5.