Villar saddened by ferry mishap

Sen. Manny Villar today said he is saddened by the ferry mishap in Zamboanga that resulted in four deaths and more than 90 missing. He also offered assistance to the victims.

Villar was in Zamboanga City for a speaking engagement at the Western Mindanao State University when he learned that Superferry 9 sank. Coast guard authorities updated Villar and Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat on the status of the rescue operations at the Zamboanga port area.

"I condole with the families of the victims in this latest sea tragedy and hope that authorities will investigate it thoroughly and make concrete recommendations to keep similar incidents from happening again. We had too many sea tragedies over the years that have resulted in loss of many lives already," Villar said.

Villar said another unfortunate maritime accident happened involving a number of his kasimanwas who are travelling from Zamboanga.

The Nacionalista Party president also lauded the efforts of the Coast Guard and the local government for the rescue of more than 850 passengers. He also thanked local fishermen in the area who are helping in the rescue effort.

Authorities said the ferry which was carrying more than 900 people issued a distress signal around 4 a.m. as it tilted in heavy seas about 70 nautical miles off the port of Zamboanga on its way to General Santos City. It sank at around 9 a.m.