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BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental -- Transportation and Communications Undersecretary Maria Elena Bautista on Saturday said the retrieval of endosulfan, a highly toxic fertilizer ingredient, from the capsized M/V Princess of the Stars is way ahead of schedule.

"There are 400 drums under water and we have retrieved 178 at about 50 drums a day," said Bautista, head of Task Force Princess of the Stars who is also the officer in charge of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).

"At 50 drums a day we should be finished in four to five days," said Bautista, who was in Bacolod over the weekend.

Bautista had earlier estimated that it would take from 12 to 16 days to complete the retrieval operation.

The government has prioritized the retrieval of the toxic chemical from the capsized vessel to ensure the safety of those who would search for still missing passengers believed trapped inside the sunken ship.

The M/V Princess of Stars capsized at the height of typhoon Frank on June 21 off Sibuyan Island in Romblon with 865 crew and passengers on board.

Only about 50 passengers survived the sinking.

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