MANILA, Philippines - Cebu-based relatives of victims of the MV Princess of the Stars tragedy are split over the looming resumption of cargo operations of Sulpicio Lines Inc., the capsized ship's owner.
Radio dzBB's Cebu affiliate reported Friday that while some of the relatives accepted the development, others insisted that Sulpicio should be stripped of its franchise.
The report said some relatives posed no objection to Malacañang allowing Sulpicio to resume its cargo operations, as doing otherwise will not bring their dead relatives back.
But these relatives said Sulpicio should still provide them with assistance.
On the other hand, another group of relatives said Sulpicio still deserves to be stripped of its franchise because of its track record of maritime accidents.
Earlier this week, Malacañang opened the door for Sulpicio to resume cargo operations following a meeting between President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and officials of Sulpicio and ship owners in Cebu.
Sulpicio, which accounts for 45 percent of cargo operations in the country, had been suspended after the June 21 capsizing of the ill-fated vessel.
On Thursday, the family of one of the victims lodged a P9.8-million civil suit against Sulpicio, even as the Public Attorney's Office said families of more than 200 victims want to pursue charges against Sulpicio. - GMANews.TV