Aquino orders speedy probe as toll rises to 39 in boat mishap

Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered Friday for a speedy investigation into the boat mishap off central city of Ormoc where death toll already rose to 39.

"We expect a thorough investigation on the part of the PCG ( Philippine Coast Guard) to find out what caused the incident," said Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte.

She noted that the PCG has deployed a Maritime Casualty Investigation Team that is currently pursuing various avenues of inquiry, including possible overloading, capability of the captain and its officers, load capacity of the vessel, and others.

Valte said Malacanang, the presidential palace, also mourns with the families of those who lost their loved ones in the incident and assure them "a speedy and objective investigation."

Latest data from the PCG showed that death toll from the tragedy has risen to 39, while 14 others have remained missing.

Search and rescue operation has been ongoing for the other missing passengers of M/B Kim Nirvana, which sank about 200 meters away from the shoreline of Ormoc City at around noon Thursday. Enditem