3 more victims found in Basilan; toll now at 40

FILE PHOTO: Passengers rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) following the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in the waters off Basilan province on Monday are on their way to the provincial capital Isabela where they will be given medical attention. —AP

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur—Three bodies were recovered in the waters of Basilan on Sunday morning, bringing to 40 the number of fatalities in the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin in the early morning of Jan. 26.

Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh said the bodies floated off Baluk-Baluk island and were found by Bantay Dagat members.

Kahing-Nanoh said rescuers and local volunteers continue to scour the waters in hopes of recovering victims of the tragedy.

From the original count of 19, the number of fatalities rose to 40 with the recovery of 11 bodies on Thursday, four on Friday, three on Saturday and three on Sunday morning.

According to the Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, 33 fatalities have so far been identified.

They are Alsihal Sawadjaan, Rodel Chiong, Fatma Buclao, Fatma Ayesha Ambutong, Alih Sali, Henry Calim, Farida Baddun, Brenda Birin, Namma Javeir Buclao, Amma Sali Macalangon, Aldin Mashum, Lanka Halim, Hja. Nurunnihar Lee, Nurhaima Ali Musa, Atika Ali Musa, Saudi Janang;

Andrea Safarri Wahid, Omar Tahir Jamaluddin, Zaida Abjuran, Nalda Muksan, Nursalyn Muammil, Dayam Awaluddin, Harlene Asgali, Harija Hadjirul, Nurdaya Tawasil, Dina Ambutong, Anisa Mahsom, Mussah Sala, Jomar Miguel, Janeth Lapinig, Junhar Kamman, Dianeeza Sahial and Reckmar Abtong.