BMI told to publicize Princess of Stars probe results

The Cebu Provincial Board on Monday asked the Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) to publicize the results of its investigation on the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars, which is owned by Sulpicio Lines Inc. (SLI).

“It’s been more than a month since they started the investigation and until now we do not know of the result. The public deserves to know what has become of their investigation,” said Provincial Board Member Victor Maambong.

Maambong said Section 7, Article III of the 1987 Constitution states the people's right to information “on matters of public concern.” He formalized his request to the BMI through a resolution that the Provincial Board approved in Monday’s session.

The resolution said that while the investigation on the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars was already concluded “the public does not have an idea of the board’s findings regarding the cause of the sea tragedy except for some news accounts that point out to the ship captain’s negligence.”

Some 52 of the 825 passengers and crew of MV Princess of the Stars survived in the tragedy. Some 312 bodies were so far recovered. The rest were declared missing and presumed dead.

The victims’ families of filed civil cases in Manila and Cebu where the shipping company holds offices. They demanded damages. The most recent cases were filed by families from Mindanao, who lost their loved ones in the sea tragedy. They demanded damages amounting to at least P14.5 million.

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) authorized two SLI cargo vessels to resume their operations. But Marina limited their operations to cargo pending the results of the investigation of the BMI. Maambong said it was important especially for the public to know if Sulpicio vessels are fit to sail.

“It is imperative that the public is informed of the cause of the sinking of the ill-fated ship so as to ensure the seaworthiness of the shipping fleets, and to see if the ship owners and operators and public officials have dutifully performed their respective responsibilities to ensure the safety of the passengers,” said Maambong’s resolution, which was seconded by Board Member Peter John Calderon.