The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the local government of Rizal in Occidental Mindoro expressed disappointment on Thursday over the lack of accountability and responsibility shown by the owner of the capsized vessel MV Hong Hai 16 toward its crew members following the maritime accident.

In a press briefing at the incident command post, PCG Southern Tagalog District Commander Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla said that since the incident last Tuesday, the vessel’s owner has neither appeared nor communicated with them.

The ship owner, Kean Peak Corporation, also failed to respond to the demand letter sent by the PCG.

Tuvilla appealed to Kean Peak Corporation to come forward, cooperate with the investigation, and assist the victims.

“That is one of our  main concern right now, and this is a calling  also to the owner which we have already given a demand letter since the other day. Up to this time, the social responsibility to the crew of the ship, we haven’t seen their commitment. The local government unit of Rizal is the one doing the facilitations of food, accommodations and assistance sa ating mga survivors,” said Tuvilla.

“Until now here in the incident command post, they haven’t shown or provided a representative. Mayroon silang social responsibility — may accountability sila dito sa barko na ito” he added.

Rizal, Occidental Mindoro Mayor Sonny Pablo also called on the owner of MV Hong Hai 16 to assist in attending to the survivors, the deceased, and the operational expenses of the search and rescue operations.

“We are appealing sa may ari na sana ay makipag-coordinate at makita natin na andito sila kasi tatlong araw na rin eh noong lumubog, at least mayroon tayo kausap,” said Pablo.

The survivors, consisting of eight Chinese and six Filipino crew members, are temporarily staying at a resort with all expenses being shouldered by the local government unit.

As of Thursday, four bodies have been recovered while seven crew members including three Chinese nationals, are still missing.