Mayor Rama: Speed up paperwork for the dead

CEBU City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday pressed for the speedy release of bodies of victims in the ship mishap to reduce the agony of grieving families.

Bong Ebo, marketing head of the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes, explained to the mayor that the delay was due to processing of documentary requirements.

In a meeting at the mayor’s conference room, Rama urged close coordination between the social welfare office, the police and other agencies.

Other parties are the police Scene on the Crime Operatives (SOCO), National Statistics Office, and Talisay City Registrars Office.

Death certificates are being issued by the registrar’s office since the sinking happened in Talisay City.

Mayor Rama also tried calling President Aquino on the mobile phone to give an update, but his call was not answered,

So he called instead Vice president Jejomar Binay who expressed his surprise when told that dead bodies remain inside the sunken vessel.

Mayor Rama directed Cebu City Health officer Stella Ygonia to ensure no foul order is emitted at the funeral parlor.

“I do not want anyone to be complaining,” he said.

The company 2Go said it sent home at least 500 survivors on commercial flights in the last few days.  Another 45 were booked to leave for their respective provinces yesterday.

At least 26 more survivors are still staying at Sugbutel while 16 others remain confined in a private hospital in the city.

2Go has a land line number, (032) 234-9775 which people could call to get status updates on passengers of their sunken vessel. The hotline number will be manned from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The ferry owner is also preparing a food assistance program for Cordova residents who volunteer in the coastal cleanup of the oil spill in the town’s 13 seaside barangays.

Lito Salvio, spokes person of 2Go Shipping Lines, said his firm is discussing steps with the Cebu provincial government on this./Chief Of Reporters Doris Bongcac