Photo courtesy of Provincial Government of Basilan.
The number of fatalities from the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 off Basilan province rose to 37 as of Saturday, based on updates from local authorities.
Rescue teams recovered three more bodies during search operations, according to Hadji Muhtamad Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh, who said the latest remains consisted of two men and one woman.
The newly retrieved cadavers were brought by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to Zamboanga City for proper handling and documentation.
Officials said the fatality count climbed steadily in recent days, with multiple bodies recovered since Thursday following the incident early Monday.
The Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BPDRRMO) identified 33 of the fatalities as Alsihal Sawadjaan, Rodel Chiong, Fatma Ayesha Ambutong, Alih Sali, Henry Calim, Farida Baddun, Brenda Birin, Namma Javeir Buclao, Amma Sali Macalangon, Aldin Mashum, Lanka Halim, Hja. Nurunnihar Lee, Nurhaima Ali Musa, Atika Ali Musa, Saudi Janang, Andrea Safarri Wahid, Omar Tahir Jamaluddin, Zaida Abjuran, Nalda Muksan, Nursalyn Muammil, Dayam Awaluddin, Harlene Asgali, Harija Hadjirul, Nurdaya Tawasil, Dina Ambutong, Anisa Mahsom, Mussah Sala, Jomar Miguel, Janeth Lapinig, Junhar Kamman, Dianeeza Sahial, and Reckmar Abtong.
Four of those who died have yet to be formally identified as verification efforts continue.
Authorities said coordination with families and concerned agencies remains ongoing as recovery operations proceed in the area.
