Dennis Gasgonia

Article (news)

Queenie Casimiro

ABS-CBN News

Eleven remains, believed to be those of passengers of the ill-fated MV Trisha Kerstin 3, were recovered by local fishermen and volunteers about 6.6 nautical miles North of Baluk-Baluk island in Basilan on Thursday. Commodore Rejard Marfe, Commander of the Coast Guard District South Western Mindanao, said the bodies are in a state of decomposition. They are identifiable through the clothes they wear.Marfe said the bodies will be processed by the PNP&#x27;s Scene of the Crime Operatives in the Incident Command Post in Isabela City for proper identification before they are turned over to their families.One of the cadavers was wearing a black shirt and overalls, similar to the ones usually worn by ship crew.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/1/29/did-a-squall-cause-mv-trisha-kerstin-3-sinking-1401">Did a squall cause MV Trisha Kerstin-3 sinking?</a></div>Another is that of a child, while at least three are believed to be teachers due to the identical shirts they wore.Marfe said that with the recovery of the 11 bodies, the number of casualties reached 29, more than the 10 missing earlier announced.&quot;It is possible na merong iba na hindi pumirma sa manifest. Posible din na nag doble-doble ang pangalan ng mga na-rescue.&quot;&quot;There seems to be a narrative ang PCG na agad-agad sinabi nilang 10 na lang ang missing,&quot; Marfe said .Families of missing passengers called on the PCG to keep them updated. Shaira Asibun is still waiting for news about her relatives, &quot;apat, manugang ko, hipag ko, cousin ko at uncle ko. Wala man lang sila advise  kung sino kakausapin namin.&quot;A number of families rushed to the port after learning through social media that some cadavers were found this morning. They had to argue with port police to gain entry to the port premises.&quot;Sabihin na lang sana nila kung dadalhin ba dito ang mga patay,&quot;  Hasna Salapuddin said. The bodies however were brought to Isabela City instead.<div><a 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>Meanwhile, 52 families have gathered at the processing center for survivors who were rescued after the mishap on Monday.Alnajir Muarip was travelling to Sulu with his wife and daughter. When the vessel started to list, he held on to his family. However they were separated when lights went off and the whole vessel was submerged.&quot;Meron ako life vest, yung anak ko meron, pati asawa ko. Pero tinanggal ko yung akin kasi kung merong life vest di ko makita anak ko. Nung nag blackout, nawala na sila,&quot; Alnajir recounted.Atty. Aquino Sajili, President of Philippine Muslim Lawyers Association in ZamBaSulTa, said other than Alnajir, there are 51 others looking for their kin.They said the PCG&#x27;s statement that there are only 10 remaining missing passengers is unacceptable.He said they have sufficient evidence against Aleson Shipping Lines. &quot;We have an airtight case,&quot; Sajili said. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/regions/2026/1/28/marina-announces-nationwide-safety-audit-after-mv-trisha-kerstin-3-sinking-2030">MARINA announces nationwide safety audit after MV Trisha Kerstin 3 sinking </a> </div>The group is also calling for a legislative inquiry into the incident.&quot;Nakikita natin ang pattern of cover up. Paano agad-agad nagsabi ng Coastguard na dahil sa alon lumubog ang barko? That is a total lie. Kung totoong maalon, paano kaming mga survivors maka-survive doon ng mahigit tatlong oras?&quot; Sajili said. The PCG said they will continue with the search and rescue efforts. The 97-meter BRP Melchora Aquino has arrived in Baluk-Baluk waters to assist the technical divers who will check the location of the sunken ferry. Marfe said, &quot;Nakapag-dive na din ang ating mga divers after their remotely operated vehicle encountered power supply problem last night.&quot;<div> </div>

Eleven remains, believed to be those of passengers of the ill-fated MV Trisha Kerstin 3, were recovered by local fishermen and volunteers about 6.6 nautical miles North of Baluk-Baluk island in Basilan on Thursday.

Eleven remains, believed to be those of passengers of the ill-fated MV Trisha Kerstin 3, were recovered by local fishermen and volunteers about 6.6 nautical miles North of Baluk-Baluk island in Basilan on Thursday.

11 floating bodies, believed to be from MV Trisha Kerstin 3, recovered at sea

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11 floating bodies, believed to be from MV Trisha Kerstin 3, recovered at sea

Queenie Casimiro,

ABS-CBN News

Published Jan 29, 2026 11:14 PM PHT

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SAR

recovery

Baluk-Baluk

Hadji Muhtammad

Basilan

pcg

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