Basilan: The continued search and rescue operations of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and its partners for those missing after the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 resulted in the recovery of two more bodies in waters off Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan on Wednesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PCG reported that the bodies were recovered through cooperation among government agencies, local government units, and fisherfolk volunteers. "With this development, the total number of fatalities has increased to 45, while the number of survivors remains at 316," the PCG stated. The remains recovered were still being identified and were being prepared for proper disposition.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is prioritizing the identification of victims through DNA analysis. In a statement on Wednesday, the PNP mentioned that families of the victims have already begun providing DNA samples to the scene of the crime operations personnel to aid in future identification. "Our goal is to ensure that all procedures are followed properly and accurately to expedite the identification for them to be properly turned over to their respective families," PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

According to the PNP, one of the biggest challenges in this process is the condition of the recovered bodies and the need for precise forensic procedures. On Tuesday evening, PCG technical divers found the location of the sunken passenger ferry off Baluk-Baluk Island. The vessel was found lying in an east-to-west orientation relative to the island.