Marilyn Cahatol

Article (news)

Hernel Tocmo

ABS-CBN News

<p>DAVAO — Thirty-six hours after MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank about five kilometers east of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan, families, friends, and loved ones continue to hold on to hope that their missing relatives aboard the ill-fated ferry will be found alive.</p><p>Among those still missing are Cadet Kyle Punsalang, who was undergoing apprenticeship, and JD Kent Pioquinto, the second engineer of MV Trisha Kerstin 3. Both are now the subject of intensified search and rescue operations being conducted by the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Navy, and other responding units.</p><p>The families of the two missing crew members said they are still awaiting updates on the ongoing search operations but remain hopeful and continue to pray for their safe recovery, noting that every passing hour brings growing worry and concern.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/1/27/captain-8-crew-still-missing-after-ferry-sinking-14-passengers-canceled-tickets-0859">Captain, 8 crew still missing after ferry sinking; 14 passengers canceled tickets</a></div><p>Punsalang, 22, is from Davao City and was under apprenticeship with the shipping line, while Pioquinto, 28, is a resident of Barangay Talon-Talon in Zamboanga City.</p><p>Pioquinto’s partner, Tiffany Kaithe Lim, shared his last message when the vessel began encountering problems. After that message, he has not communicated again.</p><p>“Babe, ya entra kunamon agua (Babe, napasukan kami ng tubig),” Pioquinto sent in a message at 12:52 a.m. on Monday.</p><p>“I’m asking for continued and extra search efforts for my partner and other missing passengers and crew,” Lim said as she appealed for intensified search operations.</p><p>Both families also called on residents and authorities to contact them should they have any information regarding the whereabouts of the missing individuals. For Kyle Punsalang, the family may be reached through Jang Punsalang at 0910-929-9950 or 0930-347-1214. For JD Kent Pioquinto, the family may be contacted at 0967-771-9561 or 0965-861-1624.</p><p>Meanwhile, the captain and eight other crew members of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 also remain missing following the incident.</p><p>Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao, said a total of 344 people were on board the ferry before it sank, including 317 passengers. He added that 14 passengers canceled their tickets, while one passenger failed to board the vessel Sunday night.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/1/27/philippine-ferry-survivor-describes-scenes-of-panic-wait-for-rescue-0016">Philippine ferry survivor describes scenes of panic, wait for rescue</a></div><div><br/></div><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO:</strong></div><div style="text-align:center"><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BMIB8ETii3E?si=mL6ClUVD2AGh9sUE" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>

<p>Thirty-six hours after MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank about five kilometers east of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan, families, friends, and loved ones continue to hold on to hope that their missing relatives aboard the ill-fated ferry will be found alive.</p>

Thirty-six hours after MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sank about five kilometers east of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan, families, friends, and loved ones continue to hold on to hope that their missing relatives aboard the ill-fated ferry will be found alive.

36 hours after MV Trisha Kerstin sinking, kin remain hopeful missing crew, cadet are alive

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36 hours after MV Trisha Kerstin sinking, kin remain hopeful missing crew, cadet are alive

Hernel Tocmo,

ABS-CBN News

Published January 27, 2026 05:23 PM PHT

Read More:

missing crew

cadet

engineer

MV Trisha Kerstin

Basilan

Davao

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