OCCIDENTAL MINDORO — A representative of Keen Peak Corp., the owner of the capsized MV Hong Hai 16, finally appeared at the incident command post in Barangay Malawaan in Rizal, Occidental Mindoro and promised to help in the ongoing search and recovery operations.

This came after appeals from PCG Southern Tagalog District commander Commo. Geronimo Tuvilla and Rizal Mayor Sonny Pablo, who expressed disappointment over the company’s lack of social responsibility and accountability toward their crew members.

“We haven’t seen their commitment (to help). The local government  unit of Rizal is the one doing the facilitations of food, accommodations and assistance  sa ating mga survivors,” said a disappointed Tuvilla.

Death toll in capsized vessel in Occidental Mindoro rises to 6; 5 still missing

Pablo had appealed to the ship owner to coordinate with the local government. 

"Kasi tatlong araw na rin eh noong lumubog ,at least mayroon tayo kausap," he said.

(It has been three days, I hope we could at least have a contact person from them)

According to LTJG Kenneth Bongabong, incident commander of the PCG, the representative from Keen Peak Corp. went to the incident command post around 11 a.m. on Friday.

“Willing sila mag-provide ng any assistance para sa ating operations,” Bongabong said.

(They are willing to provide any assistance to our operations)

Keen Peak Corp. has reportedly started looking for a salvage company accredited by the Philippine Coast Guard.

Search underway for 10 missing in capsized ship off Occidental Mindoro

“By next week, sabi ng representative, magsa-submit sila ng application for salvage permit sa office namin,” Bongabong added.

(By next week, their representative said, they will apply for a salvage permit)

The company representative said explained that the delay in coordinating with the PCG and the Rizal LGU was due to their search for a proper salvage company.

Keen Peak has not yet given any statement to the media.