PCG extends search for 14 missing

MANILA, Philippines — The search and retrieval operations for the 14 people missing from the June 27 sea collision off Mindoro Island has been extended until Tuesday, July 7, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

PCG spokesperson Commodore Armand Balilo said the agency’s search and retrieval team Mamburao continued its operations in the waters off Tayamaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, on Sunday morning.

According to Balilo, the families of the victims have requested the authorities not to terminate the search and retrieval operations just yet.

“But even if you terminate the search, it does not mean nobody would be left at the site. Only the surface search will be terminated based on the assessment that there is absolutely no one that can be rescued. There are assets that would be pulled out such as the large ships and airplanes since they have covered a large area. But the rest, like PCG Mamburao and the others will continue to be there to monitor the area,” said Balilo.

Balilo said Coast Guard Sub-Station in Sablayan and Coast Guard Sub-Station Abra de Ilog were also preparing to augment the search and retrieval team.

He added that the Philippine Air Force was also set to conduct aerial surveillance, while the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group was scheduled to conduct seaborne patrol.