Catholic church officials offer prayers and assistance to Ormoc sea mishap victims

MANILA (PNA) -- Catholic Church officials are offering prayers for the 45 people who perished in a sea mishap off Ormoc City on Thursday.At the same time, Bishop Broderick Pabillo, chairman of the Public Affairs Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said that an investigation should be conducted on the incident. I pray for the victims. A full investigation should be done,” he said.The Catholic prelate added, This is another sad incident of poor supervision. There is still no proper closure in other sea tragedies in the past.”Fr. Anton Pascual, executive director of Caritas Manila, social action arm of the Archdiocese of Manila, is also praying for those who died and their families, adding that they are ready to extend assistance. Sa nangyaring ‘yan sa Ormoc ay unang-una, ipagdasal natin itong mga namatay at ang kanilang mga pamilya…Maaasahan ‘yung pagtulong namin at kokontakin namin ‘yung mga church partners natin sa diocese upang matulungan ang mga biktima para maka-recover at syempre mahalaga ‘yung panalangin,” he said at the sidelines of the Servant Leadership in Public Service held in Pasig City on Friday.The Catholic priest said they have to know what assistance they can provide for the survivors and the families of the dead victims. We have to get in touch with them first para malaman natin kung ano ang tulong na maibibigay in terms of financial and recovery, lalong lalo na sa mga anak at ‘yung sa livelihood,” he added.At least 45 people were confirmed dead as of Friday, after the two-decked MB Kim Nirvana capsized minutes after it left the port of Ormoc City.The boat was on its way to Camotes Island in Cebu. (PNA)