Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates extended financial assistance to the families of the crew of MV Sta. Monica A-1, which went missing in the waters near Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, last October.
Eight family members of the 10 crew members of the cargo vessel went to the provincial capitol on Wednesday, November 27, to meet with the governor and receive an initial amount of ₱7,000 in assistance.
Socrates also expressed solidarity with the families, stating that he understands the pain of losing a loved one at sea.
“Nakikiisa ako sa inyo at alam ko yung pakiramdam ng pamilya na may nawawalang mahal sa buhay. Ang tatay ko, nawala rin sa dagat noong year 2000 at matagal bago namin natanggap na siya ay wala na,” Socrates said.
“Pero I can tell you na we can hope na matatagpuan pa sila or buhay sila,” he added.
He further stated that there is still hope that the missing crew and vessel may yet be found.
“Nothing is impossible with God, patuloy tayong manalangin. Maaring sa pantaong pananaw ay wala tayong masyadong pwedeng gawin pero hindi masama ang patuloy tayong umasa at manalangin dahil prayer is powerful,” he said.
After meeting with Socrates, the families of the crew also met with representatives from the Pinoy Workers Partylist to discuss additional financial aid. The Pinoy Workers Partylist also assisted the group in obtaining and processing requirements from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for further assistance.
MV Sta. Monica A-1, a cargo vessel owned by Synergy Sea Ventures Incorporated, went missing with 10 crew members aboard last October 27 during the height of Typhoon Kristine.
Coast Guard District Palawan (CGD Pal) said the vessel was granted permission to leave Taytay Port but was allowed to sail only to Casian Island to take shelter. However, family members of the crew stated that the vessel was permitted to sail to Manila.
The Philippine Coast Guard conducted a search and rescue operation after debris from the vessel was found floating near Paluan a few days later.
Fishermen from Paluan reported seeing dead carabaos, life vests, and life rings bearing MV Sta. Monica A-1 markings.
Meanwhile, Provincial Information Officer Atty. Christian Jay Cojamco said the PCG has already terminated the search and rescue as well as the search and retrieval operations for the missing vessel.
He, however, assured the families of the missing crew that they will appeal to the Coast Guard for a possible continuation of the search.
He also said the provincial government would process additional financial aid and provide legal assistance to the families if needed.
