PNP Deploys Teams as Basilan Sea Tragedy Claims 18 Lives, Leaves 24 Missing
The Philippine National Police has pledged full support for search, rescue, and investigative efforts following the sinking of a passenger vessel in the waters off Pilas Island, Basilan, which resulted in at least 18 fatalities. Acting PNP chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. emphasized that accounting for all missing individuals remains the immediate priority in this maritime disaster.
Immediate Response and Rescue Operations Activated
In an official statement, Nartatez confirmed that police personnel and resources have been mobilized to assist in ongoing operations. "We already deployed our personnel and resources to assist in the search and rescue operations. This is the priority right now," he stated. The PNP has also alerted commanders in coastal territorial units to enhance monitoring activities through coordination with local residents and officials.
The ill-fated RoRo vessel, M/V Trisha Kerstin 3, sank during its voyage from Zamboanga City to Jolo at approximately 1:50 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026. Official records indicate the vessel was carrying 332 passengers and 27 crew members at the time of the incident.
Current Casualty Figures and Survivor Accounts
As of the latest reports:
- 18 individuals have been confirmed deceased
- 24 persons remain missing
- 317 people have been successfully rescued
Among those rescued were 13 police officers from the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula. In a poignant development, fourteen survivors along with the remains of two victims arrived at the Coast Guard Eastern Sulu station around 12 a.m. on Tuesday, January 27, 2026.
Investigation and Inter-Agency Coordination Underway
Nartatez expressed profound condolences to the families of all fatalities, including a police officer assigned to the Regional Mobile Division Unit 9. "This is a tragic incident and the families of those who lost their kin are demanding an explanation," he acknowledged. The PNP has committed to supporting the investigation to determine the exact circumstances that led to the vessel's sinking.
Coordination is currently being established with the Philippine Coast Guard and other concerned agencies to ensure comprehensive search and rescue efforts while simultaneously preparing for a thorough probe into the incident. Nartatez has further directed police personnel in the affected area to provide necessary assistance to rescued passengers, including transportation arrangements to their homes when required.
The maritime tragedy has highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation during emergency response situations, with authorities working diligently to address both immediate humanitarian needs and longer-term investigative requirements.
