Kin upset with Marina

CEBU, Philippines - The relatives of Maria Grethel Enas, the woman who jumped off a ship bound for Cebu City from Surigao last week, are disappointed with the alleged slow response of the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina)-7 to their search for justice. Ma. Gladys Teves, 41, sister of Enas, said she is disappointed with how Marina-7 is handling the case.

Since her sister died a week ago, Teves said, Marina-7 has done nothing to help them with their intention to file charges against Cokaliong Shipping Lines.

“Wala gyud sila (Marina) mi-take og action. Mura mi og gi-tulodtulod dihang nangayo mi og update,” she said.

Teves said they were told by Marina-7 to wait for 15 days because the case is still being investigated. 

“Dili mi makahulat og dugay kay we are not from Cebu. Dili mi pwde ma- dugay,” she said.

Marina – 7 Legal Officer Jose Cabatingan was not available for comment yesterday.

The family of the victim has reported the incident to the Maritime police as a first step in their call for justice.

Supt Alvin Piad, chief of the Maritime police, said they are ready to assist the bereaved family.

Based on their investigation, Piad said Cokaliong Shipping is liable for what had happened to Enas.

Piad said that once a passenger purchases a ticket, he is bound by a contract which states that it is the responsibility of the ship to safely bring the passenger to his destination.    

Ship authorities reportedly noticed the woman was disturbed hours before she reportedly jumped off the ship.

Ship security personnel Armando Manto guarded Enas until she fell asleep. However, Manto left Enas and continued with his other responsibilities.

When Manto returned, Enas was already gone.

Enas is a member of the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, a religious grouping led by former Dinagat Island congressman Ruben Ecleo Jr.

She left Cebu Tuesday last week on board M/V Pilipinas Dinagat of the Cokaliong Shipping on her way to Dinagat Island.