Occidental Mindoro Gov. Eduardo Gadiano announced Saturday that he will issue a cease and desist order to the dredging company responsible for the MV Hong Hai 16, which capsized off the coast of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, leaving nine crew members missing and four confirmed dead.

“Actually, we can only issue the letter on Monday since today is a holiday,” Gadiano said. “I’ve been calling them with urgent instructions to remove the vessel, hire a private salvor to raise it, and tow it away. They must take social responsibility, especially for the families of those who died.”

The vessel capsized Tuesday, April 15, 2025, in Barangay Malawaan, Rizal town, with 25 crew members on board. As of Friday, 14 crew members have been rescued, including six Filipinos and eight Chinese nationals, according to Rizal Mayor Ernesto “Sonny” Pablo. Nine remain missing: six Filipinos and three Chinese. One Chinese crew member was confirmed dead Thursday.

Governor Gadiano, who arrived in Rizal shortly after the incident, stressed that the provincial government had prioritized the dredging activity to help alleviate flooding in the area. He confirmed that the company had secured necessary permits before beginning operations and denied allegations that he owns Bluemax Corporation, the company involved.

PCG Commodore Geronimo Tuvilla said the immediate focus is searching for the nine missing individuals. He added that while a potential oil spill is a secondary concern, the risk is considered low because the vessel carries Automotive Diesel Oil, which is less environmentally hazardous and tends to dissipate naturally. As a precautionary measure, responders have deployed a spill boom.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan visited Rizal Friday and lauded the rescue efforts. He confirmed that an investigation into the incident is already in progress.

Surface monitoring conducted Sunday revealed no traces of oil spill in the vicinity.

PCG personnel assisted the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in a joint coastal assessment covering a one-kilometer stretch extending eight kilometers from the incident site.

Officials reported no seagrass beds or coral reefs were observed in the area, likely due to wide siltation.

As of 8:50 a.m. Saturday, April 19, 2025, PCG divers recovered personal items from the vessel’s bridge area and second-floor cabin while continuing to search for missing crew members.

Due to the limited number of divers available each day, rescue operations will continue.

“As your mayor, we will not stop monitoring this incident,” Pablo said. “All our agencies and partners are on alert. I ask for your prayers for the safety of our rescuers and everyone involved in this operation.”

In observance of Holy Week, the Coast Guard Ecumenical Chaplain Service held a Black Saturday Mass for affected families and responders involved in the operations.