Ship passengers' bodies being dug up in Masbate

MANILA, Philippines - At least 22 bodies believed to be those from passengers of the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars are now being exhumed in Masbate province. In an advisory on its Web site, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) on Sunday said the "22 bodies (are) being exhumed in San Pascual and Claveria (in) Masbate to undergo proper processing under the supervision of the National Bureau of Investigation, Department of Health Region 5 and local government unit." It said the bodies would be transported to Pasacao port through Navy facilities, then undergo identification. As of Saturday night, the NDCC said the casualty count in the shipwreck remained at 173 fatalities and 56 survivors. The vessel left Manila on the night of June 20. It was supposed to go to Cebu when it careened out of control and capsized off Sibuyan Island in Romblon province on June 21 in the midst of huge waves brought by typhoon "Frank" (Fengshen). - GMANews.TV