• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The provincial government of Negros Occidental and the Negrense community are clinging to hope that the two Negrense missing crew of M/V Devon Bay, which sank west of Pangasinan on Jan. 23, are still alive.
Of the 21 crew members, 15 were rescued, two were confirmed to have died, and four others, including Captain Elimer Jucal of San Enrique town, and Jejanfer Marfa of Cadiz City, are still missing.
In a statement on Tuesday (Jan. 27), Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called on concerned authorities and maritime stakeholders to continue and intensify search and rescue operations for the missing seafarers.
“We remain united in prayer, hope, and solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time,” Lacson said.
Two of the 15 rescued seafarers are also Negrenses, who are both residents of 6th district of Negros Occidental.
Rep. Mercedes Alvarez said her office extended assistance to their respective families for them to reunite in Manila.
San Enrique Mayor Jilson Tubillara said the family of Jucal are now in Manila.
The two siblings of Jucal are also seafarers, while their father is a retired police officer.
Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, described Jucal as a “hero” for his selfless leadership during the maritime incident as he refused to abandon the vessel ahead of his crew.
Gavan said the ship captain’s action was a true display of heroism, emphasizing that his sense of duty serves as an inspiration to fellow Filipino seafarers.
Lacson said the courage and selfless leadership of Jucal in ensuring the safety of his crew reflect the highest ideals of Filipino seafarers, which deserve utmost recognition.
The all-Filipino manned vessel was carrying iron ore from Zamboanga del Norte and en route to Guangdong, China. | GB
