Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Tuesday, Jan. 27, called on all concerned authorities and maritime stakeholders to continue and intensify search and rescue operations for Captain Elimar Jucal of San Enrique and Third Officer Jejanfer Partosa Marfa of Cadiz City.
The two Negrenses are among four who remain missing following the sinking of the Singapore-flagged bulk carrier MV Devon Bay 141 nautical miles west of Sabangan Point in Agno Bay, Pangasinan, on Thursday, January 22, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
Two others on board the ship died and 15 others, including two from the 6th District of Negros Occidental, were rescued.
“The Provincial Government of Negros Occidental and the entire Negrense community express their deep concern and solidarity” with the families of Jucal and Marfa, and the other crew members of M/V Devon Bay who remain missing, Lacson said.
“We remain united in prayer, hope, and solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time,” Lacson said.
The PCG said surface and aerial search and rescue operations for the missing crew members are ongoing.
Cadiz Mayor Salvador Escalante confirmed that the family of Marfa in Cadiz has been informed that he is missing and that the search for him is currently ongoing.
Rep. Mercedes Alvarez (Neg. Occ., 6th District) also confirmed that two of the survivors were from her district, but withheld their names.
Alvarez said she has been in touch with the families of the two survivors.
She provided the plane fare for the parents of one of the rescued seamen, who were very worried and wished to leave for Manila immediately to see their son, Alvarez said.
The parents of the second survivor from her district were also expected to leave for Manila on Tuesday night or Wednesday.
Alvarez said she believes the owner of the ship and the Department of Migrant Workers will provide further assistance to the rescued seamen.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan on Monday called the missing 47-year-old Negrense captain, who is a father of three, a “hero” for refusing to abandon his vessel ahead of his crew.
Various Negrense groups have since joined the call for prayers for the captain and the others who remain missing to be found alive.*