ZAMBOANGA CITY – Vice President Sara Duterte visited Sulu province and Zamboanga City on Monday, Feb. 9, to offer support, sympathies, and assistance to victims of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 that sank in the sea of Baluk Baluk Island in Basilan province last Jan. 26.

Duterte arrived in Sulu at 7 a.m. and proceeded to the Department of Public Works and Highways 1st District Engineering Office where she distributed cash assistance, sacks of rice, and relief goods to 127 survivors, 18 bereaved families, and 13 families with missing kin.

From Sulu, Duterte proceeded to the Grand Astoria Hotel here where she personally comforted and talked to survivors and family members.

"We have no words to adequately express the sorrow that comes with death. You are the ones enduring this heartache, and we want you to know that we stand by your side during this challenging period,” Duterte said.

She stressed the need for a thorough investigation while prioritizing the need to constantly provide information to grieving families.

"We have communicated our intention to consult with the NBI regarding the investigation," she said, citing the importance of a more organized system to identify and communicate with families seeking information about their loved ones.

Families are often left in the dark, receiving fragmented news from various sources. We must ensure that they know where to go and what steps to take to get the information they need, she said.