DOTr Files Charges Over Ferry Sinking, Demands Accountability from Shipping Line and Officials
In a decisive move to ensure accountability, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) are set to file administrative and criminal charges against Aleson Shipping Line (ASL) and several government officials and personnel. This action follows the tragic sinking of the passenger ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan waters, which has resulted in significant loss of life and raised serious safety concerns.
Press Conference Highlights Safety Failures
During a press conference held at the DOTr office in San Juan City on Wednesday, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez emphasized the need for accountability from both ASL and relevant government agencies. He stated that this effort aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who insisted that justice must be served swiftly and effectively.
Lopez revealed that M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 was allowed to sail despite numerous glaring safety deficiencies. These issues included problems with its passenger capacity certification, drydock and repair compliance, and seaworthiness certification. The investigation uncovered multiple violations, such as overloading of passengers and cargo, failure to use the weigh bridge at the Global Port Zamboanga Terminal for rolling cargo and private vehicles, and discrepancies between the passenger manifest and the actual number of people on board.
Government Personnel Relieved and Charges Filed
Due to these lapses, Lopez has taken immediate action by relieving several government personnel involved in permitting the ship to travel. This includes eight individuals from MARINA, including the Zamboanga regional director, five Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) members who conducted the pre-departure inspection, and the PCG Zamboanga Station commander.
Furthermore, MARINA has been directed to file administrative charges against its Zamboanga regional head, Jedini Nur Sibal, shipping operations specialist Bevin Bibi, and shipbuilding specialist Jose Ray Quimiguing for neglect of duty. Lopez warned that if these individuals are found guilty of grave neglect, criminal cases will also be pursued under Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
Corrective Measures and Future Policies
To prevent similar incidents in the future, the DOTr is implementing a series of corrective measures. These include issuing a department order for risk-based categorization of ships and routes to enhance passenger and vessel safety. Additionally, life vests will now be required to be placed under ships' seats to ensure they are readily accessible at all times.
Lopez outlined these as part of short-term, medium-term, and long-term strategies, with plans to introduce further enforcement policies as needed to strengthen maritime safety standards.
Updated Casualty and Survivor Figures
The Philippine Coast Guard has provided updated figures following a consolidated verification of survivors and casualties from the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3. The total number of survivors has been adjusted to 293, down from the previously reported 316. Meanwhile, the confirmed death toll has risen to 52 after another body was discovered by PCG divers on Wednesday.
PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab explained that this revision reflects the verification of passenger identities, including survivors listed in the manifest, individuals who survived but were not listed, and both declared and undeclared crew members.
