Bacolod: The Negros Occidental provincial government led Negrenses on Tuesday in expressing solidarity with the families of the two missing seafarers of the ill-fated M/V Devon Bay. Both Negrenses, vessel captain Elimar Jucal hails from San Enrique, while crew member Jejanfer Marfa is from Cadiz City.

According to Philippines News Agency, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson called on all concerned authorities and maritime stakeholders to continue and intensify search and rescue operations for the missing seafarers. "The provincial government and the entire Negrense community express their deep concern and solidarity with their families as well as the families of the other crew members," he added.

A total of 15 crew members were rescued, two were confirmed deceased, while four, including Jucal and Marfa, remain missing since the maritime incident on January 23. Lacson praised Jucal's "courage and selfless leadership" in ensuring the safety of his crew, stating that it reflects the highest ideals of Filipino seafarers and deserves utmost recognition. "We remain united in prayer, hope, and solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time," he further commented.

The all-Filipino manned vessel, with 21 crew members, capsized about 141 nautical miles west of Pangasinan, within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The Singapore-flagged bulk carrier M/V Devon Bay was carrying iron ore from Zamboanga del Norte and was en route to Guangdong, China.

On Monday, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan also commended Jucal as a 'hero' for his selfless leadership, acknowledging the captain for refusing to abandon his vessel ahead of his crew. In a statement, the PCG confirmed that surface and aerial search and rescue operations continue in the reported distressed vicinity waters to locate Jucal and three other crew members with the ranks of third engineer, third officer, and oiler.