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MANILA: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo demanded Sunday to know why a ferry carrying more than 700 people was allowed to set sail as a typhoon was bearing down.
Speaking to civil defence and coast guard authorities, Arroyo said she wanted "answers" about the ferry which sank overnight after being battered by huge waves caused by Typhoon Fengshen.
Fengshen swept through the country on Saturday, causing flash floods, landslides, widespread destruction and killing more than 60 people.
Receiving a briefing about the ferry accident, Arroyo said she wanted to know from the relevant authorities why the ship was allowed to depart Manila on Friday knowing that the typhoon was about to hit.
"Why did you allow it to sail and why was there no ample warning?" she asked during the meeting, which was broadcast live on nationwide radio.
"I want answers," she said.
The coast guard said typhoon warnings were circulated to shipping companies well before Fengshen hit land late on Friday.
The 23,824 tonne Princess of the Stars sank off the coast of Sibuyan Island in central Romblon province after being battered by the waves overnight when its engines failed, officials said.
Four bodies have been found washed onshore but the death toll was likely to rise with the fate of the rest of the passengers and crew unknown, officials and reports said.
On Sunday afternoon three survivors were found washed ashore near San Fernando town on Sibuyan. All three were said to be well. - AFP/ac
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