Arroyo gives 15-day deadline for ‘Princess’ tragedy probe

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday gave the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 15 days to complete its investigation report on the capsizing of MV Princess of the Stars off Romblon at the height of typhoon "Frank." Radio dzBB's Nimfa Ravelo reported that President Arroyo issued the deadline in a speech she delivered during the 41st founding anniversary of Davao del Sur province. In her speech, President Arroyo said she wants a "full accounting" by the Coast Guard of the circumstances that led to the capsizing of the passenger vessel off Sibuyan Island in Romblon. President Arroyo had earlier tasked the Coast Guard to find out who should be held responsible for allowing the ill-fated ship to leave port. Earlier in the day, Vice President Noli de Castro said authorities are now looking into reports that the captain of the capsized MV Princess of the Stars is alive and is presently in hiding to possibly avoid scrutiny into the sea mishap. In a radio interview, De Castro cited information indicating ship owner Sulpicio Lines Inc. is keeping captain Florencio Marimon Sr and at least one of the survivors in a safe house. Based on the tally of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and National Disaster and Coordinating Council (NDCC), 56 persons have survived the tragedy, 250 bodies have been recovered and more than 500 persons remain missing. A total of 726 passengers, 111 ship crew and 29 non-crew were on board the MV Princess of the Stars when it capsized off the waters of Romblon province due to big waves generated by typhoon Frank on June 21. At least 99 bodies retrieved from the capsized MV Princess of the Stars arrived in Cebu province Tuesday morning to undergo processing by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other forensic experts. In its advisory as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, Sulpicio Lines - owner of the ill-fated passenger vessel, said the bodies arrived aboard its ship MV Cagayan Princess. - GMANews.TV