Cop among dead in Basilan ferry sinking – PNP
MANILA, Philippines — A police officer is among the individuals who died during the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan early Monday morning, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The ferry was carrying more than 350 people when it sank, sending out a distress signal at around 1:50 a.m., four hours after leaving the Zamboanga City Port.
In a statement, the national police agency said, “The PNP… confirmed one fatality, involving a personnel from the Regional Mobile Division Unit 9, who was recovered and subsequently brought to the Zamboanga City Port.”
It did not further identify the police officer who died.
READ: LOOK: 15 dead, 28 missing as ferry sinks in waters off Basilan
“The loss of our colleague is heavy for the whole PNP. We extend our deepest condolences to the family. We will make sure they are not alone at this time,” Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in the statement.
The PNP further confirmed that authorities also rescued 13 more Police Regional Office Zamboanga Peninsula personnel and brought them to the Zamboanga City Port and the Basilan Port for proper care and assistance.
Fifteen people died and 28 were missing due to the sinking. /cb
