Navy scours Southern Leyte waters for 1 missing passenger of MV Maharlika Dos

In this Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014 photo released by the Philippine National Red Cross Surigao Del Norte Chapter, survivors from the ferry M/V Maharlika II that sank after encountering steering problems, keep themselves warm with blankets as they arrive at the Lipata Port Terminal in Surigao city, central Philippines. AP

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Navy said its vessels are still scouring the waters of Southern Leyte in search of one missing passenger of the sunken MV Maharlika Dos.

Lieutenant Commander Marineth Domingo, Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office Chief, said Tuesday three ships were dispatched to the area to search for the still unidentified missing passenger.

She said the vessels involved in the search operations are BRP Alberto Navarette (PG 394), BRP Rafael Pargas (PG 379) and the Navy’s fastcraft vessel DF 350.

“These are still the three ships that we have committed since day one of the search and rescue operations,” Domingo said.

MV Maharlika Dos, a roll-on roll-off vessel, sank in the waters of Southern Leyte Saturday after Typhoon “Luis” whipped up strong waves that rocked the ship and caused steering problems.

Commander Armand Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman, on Tuesday identified five of the eight people who were killed in the sea tragedy.

He said that Task Force Maharlika identified the fatalities as Ramon Molato, Nelson Custodio, Betty Bahi, Arlita Puyales and Tiffany Saberon, the two year old infant.

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