NATIONAL–5 more bodies have been recovered by authorities from the sunken MV Trisha Kerstin-3 in waters near Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan, on Tuesday, which caused the death toll to rise to 51.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), their technical divers are continuing their underwater search and recovery operations.
The bodies were found in the economy accommodation area of the first deck of the vessel, including 1 baby, 1 child, 2 women of legal age, and 1 teenage boy.
Meanwhile, the genders of 2 minors found have yet to be identified.
From Zamboanga City, the bodies will be transferred to the Talabaan Cemetery, where they will undergo forensic processing by experts.
Families of the victims have been advised to visit the said cemetery to help with identifying the bodies.
The MV Trisha Kerstin-3 sank on January 26 and was found in waters near Baluk-baluk Island on Tuesday last week.
Meanwhile, search and recovery operations by authorities continue for more possible victims.
