PCG: Five more casualties of the ill-fated MV Maharlika 2 were recovered by the authorities as search and rescue operations continue three days after the vessel sunk last Saturday, September 13. 

The Task Force Maharlika 2 onboard Navy vessels PG 379 and PG 394 were able to recover yesterday the remains of Ramon Molato, Nelson Custodio, Betty Bahi, Arlita Puyales and a two-year old passenger identified as Tiffany Saberon.

The bodies were brought to Lipata Port and were turned over to Lipata PNP City Police.

This leaves the total number of casualties at eight, as three were already recovered last Sunday in addition to yesterday's recovery.

MV Maharlika 2, roll-on/roll-off vessel, sank in the waters of Southern Leyte last Saturday when it encountered steering problems at the height of typhoon Luis.

SAR operations continue at this moment for the recovery of the remaining missing persons.