Kin of Iloilo-Guimaras sea tragedy casualties get P50k aid

MANILA, Philippines – The families of passengers of perished after three motorboats capsized in the Iloilo Strait on August 3 received P50,000 cash assistance from President Rodrigo Duterte Wednesday night.

Duterte distributed the cash assistance when visited the wake of the fatalities at the Gegato-Abecia Funeral Homes and Crematory in Iloilo City.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte condoles with the family of one of the victims of the recent motorboat accident betyween Iloilo and Guimaras as he visits the wake of the casualties at the Gegato-Abecia Funeral Homes and Crematory in Iloilo City on August 7, 2019. With the President is Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The President was likewise supposed to meet with families of the fatalities in Guimaras, but could not make it to the island due to unfavorable weather conditions.

READ: Duterte’s trip to Guimaras canceled due to bad weather

Three motorboats capsized off Iloilo and Guimaras over the weekend.

The death toll has so far risen to 31, with dozens more missing.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte condoles with relatives of victims of the recent motorboat accident between Iloilo and Guimaras. Duterte visited the wake of the casualties at the Gegato-Abecia Funeral Homes and Crematory in Iloilo City on August 7, 2019. With the President is Senator Christopher “Bong” Go. KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo earlier called for “more prudence and caution” in sea travel after the sea tragedy.

READ: Palace: Prudence needed in sea travel in wake of Iloilo, Guimaras tragedy
“I think whoever is responsible for securing the folks during storms should exercise more prudence, caution, and should give the people more guidelines relative to facing this kind of disaster,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing. /gsg

KING RODRIGUEZ/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO