Victims' kin mark 3rd anniversary of 'Princess' tragedy

Almost three years after the tragedy, relatives of victims of the "Princess of the Stars" tragedy in 2008 continued to hope they can finally attain justice for their lost loved ones. Several of the relatives attended a Mass at the rooftop of the Public Attorney's Office head office in Quezon City Monday, radio dzBB's Allan Gatus reported. Many of the relatives wore shirts with the message "Justice for victims of MV Princess of the Stars" at the Mass officiated by running priest Robert Reyes. During the Mass, Reyes told the relatives not to lose hope that they will finally get justice.

The MV Princess of the Stars sank off Romblon province on June 21, 2008, at the height of Typhoon Frank. Relatives of the victims have lodged civil and criminal cases against the owner of the ship. Hearings at the Manila regional trial court are to resume Tuesday, the report said. The PAO said authorities are still looking for the skeletal remains of at least 400 more victims. It said the remains of only 400 victims have been recovered so far. — RSJ, GMA News