Families of missing crew mark ship's sinking with protest

CEBU, Philippines - The families of the missing crew of the MV Edago Expedition marked the first year anniversary of the ship’s sinking yesterday with a rally near the residence of the ship’s owner.

Wives and mothers of the seven crewmembers who remain missing marched to the house of Eduardo Gobonseng to ask for answer over why the incident happened.

“Yearlong agony of waiting for answers,” cried the families of the missing crew outside the subdivision where Gobonseng lives.

Lanie Isreael, wife of ship’s quarter master Errol Israel, stressed that they did not wish to go this far, saying sorry for the noise they have created.

But she said they did not have any other choice because up to now, they still do not have the answers as to what happened during the incident.

She said if those missing are already dead, they wanted to know the reason why the ship sank. She hoped that they could still find the bodies of their loved ones so they could bury them properly.

The wives of the crew have already lost their jobs because of their constant checking on the progress of the investigation of the Coast Guard.

Israel said they are constantly coming over for the Special Marine Board of Inquiry (SMBI) to push through. Up to now, they are still waiting for the decision of the Coast Guard.

During their protest, they pleaded for Gobonseng to face them so that they could hear any update of the case.

Reporters also asked the subdivision’s security guards to allow them to get inside so they can interview Gobonseng. But Gobonseng’s personnel said he already left the place and that they were not authorized to speak on his behalf.

The families of the missing crew suspected that the ship’s management is hiding something from them, saying that the management is probably blocking the decision of the Coast Guard.

The protests, which started the other day at the office of the Coast Guard, have drawn the support of Anak Pawis and Bayan.

Before the rally, the families of the missing crew started the day with a Mass at Sto. Rosario Church.

They proceeded to Pasil Fish Port where they placed pictures of the missing crew in a replica of MV Edago Expedition which they let it out to the sea.

Wearing black shirts, they carried black balloons and candles while walking. — AJ de la Torre/LPM (THE FREEMAN)