PCG to ‘Princess’ victims' kin: Stay away from retrieval site, wait in Cebu

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday warned relatives of the victims of MV Princess of the Stars against going to the site of the retrieval operations, reiterating that no one is allowed to go beyond the one-kilometer radius limit.

A report over radio dzBB said PCG commandant vice admiral Wilfredo Tamayo made statement amid reports that the relatives' spokesman, Levi Manuel, said the relatives plan to go to the site of the operations to await the retrieval of the victims' bodies.

Tamayo instead advised the relatives to stay and wait in Cebu, where the remains will be brought.

Last week, Tamayo said the retrieval of the bodies may begin Monday after the completion of the toxic waste extraction from the capsized ship.

The Sulpicio Lines-owned MV Princess of the Stars capsized off Romblon last June 21 during the height of typhoon "Frank," leaving hundreds of crew and passengers dead.