Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño on Thursday ordered the relaunching of the search for the remains of Mayor Gisela Boniel, two days after the operation was terminated.

According to Taliño, he has already directed Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) chief Sr. Supt. Romel Cabagnot to reorganize the underwater search and retrieval operations.

“I’ve already talked to colonel Cabagnot and told him to organize our search team, the volunteers, civilians and Chief Inspector [Jacinto] Mandal,” Taliño said.

However, the police official also noted that they would still not be able to scour the deep sections of the search zone for the mayor’s body.

“Probably this is a limited search because they are unable to reach the deeper areas,” he added.

With the limited reach of authorities, fishermen near the purported drop site of Boniel’s remains were also urged to immediately report sightings of the body or indications of its presence.

“We are also advising fishermen in case they recover something, they should turn it over or report it to the nearest police station,” Taliño said.

Mandal who led the search team prior to the operation’s suspension would still be involved but would likely not be present in all the dives.

Meanwhile, funds for the continued search are still available as Taliño pointed out financial aid from various sources including the Bohol provincial government and League of Municipalities.

The Philippine National Police allotted a budget for the operation while Cong. Aris Aumentado and the Lapu-Lapu City government also extended financial assistance, he added. (Allen Doydora)