Photo courtesy of Provincial Government of Basilan.
Three more bodies were recovered from the waters of Basilan on Sunday morning, bringing the death toll in the MV Trisha Kerstin sinking to 40. The vessel capsized in the early hours of January 26.
Hadji Muhtamad Municipal Mayor Arsina Kahing-Nanoh said the bodies were found near Baluk-Baluk Island by members of Bantay Dagat.
Rescuers and local volunteers continue to search the waters for additional victims.
The fatalities increased from an initial count of 19 with the recovery of 11 bodies on Thursday, four on Friday, three on Saturday, and three on Sunday morning.
The Basilan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (BPDRRMO) reported that 33 of the deceased have been identified.
Those identified include Alsihal Sawadjaan, Rodel Chiong, Fatma Buclao, 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.