by LILITA BALANE
abs-cbnNEWS.com
The Board of Marine Inquiry said on Friday it will request an extension of its July 16 deadline to complete its investigation on the MV Princess of the Stars since it needs the testimonies of other witnesses who can shed light on the sinking of the ferry last June 21.
Ramon Liwag, chairman of the BMI, said that they have enough witnesses from Sulpicio Lines, Inc., but the board has not heard from the passenger-survivors.
"We have significant information, but we need a little longer time, We want additional critical witnesses. We need at least 15 plain passenger-survivors to tell us their experience," added Liwag.
Benjamin Mata, vice-chair of the BMI, said they were informed that there were seafarer-passengers who survived the tragedy, but the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) cannot yet locate them.
"Those passengers have some knowledge on the movement of the ship during its voyage. Their stories will be helpful in guiding us on what really happened", Mata told the media.
Liwag explained that the BMI hearings are in compliance with the directive given by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to the PCG.
The order tasked PCG to review its guidelines on the movement of ships during typhoons and to investigate the cause of the sinking of the MV Princess of the Stars.
The BMI, however, assured the public that, in due time, it will come up with an objective assessment on what really happened to the ship.
Liwag added that the PCG promised to pay for the fare and accommodation of all survivors who will opt to testify.
But if no passenger-survivor decides to appear in the hearing in Manila, the BMI will conduct the hearing in Cebu where most of the survivors reside.