Missing Cargo Vessel Had Expired Safety Certificate

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A cargo vessel with 10 crew members and livestock has been missing for nearly two weeks off Mindoro coast, while questions emerge about its expired safety certification, officials said on Thursday.

The MV Sta. Monica A-1 was last seen on October 22, 2024 departing Taytay, Palawan, seeking shelter from Typhoon Kristine.

Palawan Provincial board member Ryan Maminta revealed that the vessel’s Cargo Ship Safety Certificate had expired in September, raising questions about why it received a Master’s Declaration of Safe Departure.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified search operations in waters between Taytay, Palawan, and Paluan, Occidental Mindoro, deploying aircraft for aerial surveillance and conducting seaborne patrols along coastal areas.

“We find it unacceptable that there’s still no report from the PCG to the families of the crew members about the status of their search and rescue operations,” Maminta told reporters.

The vessel’s owner, Synergy Sea Ventures Inc., has been summoned to appear before the Provincial Board.

Local officials say the company has not been in contact with the crew members’ families.

Despite extensive search efforts involving local fishing communities and multiple Coast Guard districts, the vessel, which was carrying both crew members and water buffaloes, remains missing.

PCG Southern Tagalog command said they continue to coordinate with regional units in the ongoing search operations.

Photos of the missing crew of MV Sta. Monica-A1 are courtesy of the Philippine Coast Guard.
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Founder’S Profile

Romel “Direk” Ferriol Bernardo

Bernardo Creative Ventures, Inc., the company behind Direk Fuels, Oriental Mindoro’s homegrown gas station chain, and Direk Builders, which rents out heavy equipment, is expanding its portfolio by venturing into online media and content production.

The company’s entry into news media is not surprising, as its founder and CEO, Romel “Direk” Bernardo, was a television writer, producer, and director for over 15 years. From 2002 to 2007, he served as a researcher, writer, and producer for GMA-7’s top-rating show Imbestigador before becoming the executive producer for ABS-CBN’s award-winning documentary program, The Correspondents.

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