Philippine Coast Guard Imposes Severe Sanctions Following Tragic Ferry Sinking Investigation
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has taken decisive disciplinary action against several personnel in the wake of a thorough investigation into the devastating sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 off the coast of Basilan on January 26. This maritime tragedy has prompted significant internal reforms and accountability measures within the coast guard service.
Personnel Dismissals and Demotions Announced
According to official statements from the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), four coast guard members have been permanently dismissed from service for their roles in the incident. The dismissed personnel include Petty Officer 1st Class Sabhal Turaini, Petty Officer 3rd Class Khalid Asmawil, Petty Officer 3rd Class Al-Yazar Muyong, and Apprentice Seawoman Mar-Iya Anawie. These individuals comprised the Pre-Departure Inspection Team (PDIT) responsible for verifying passenger counts and documenting the vessel's load line markings prior to departure.
The investigation revealed that the four dismissed personnel failed to properly verify the actual number of passengers aboard the vessel and neglected to document the ship's critical load line markings, which are essential safety indicators for vessel stability and capacity.
Additional Disciplinary Measures Implemented
Beyond the dismissals, the PCG has implemented additional disciplinary actions against other personnel involved in the incident. Petty Officer 3rd Class Jestoni Barretto, who served as the Duty Officer of the Watch during the relevant period, has been demoted by one rank due to what investigators determined was a lack of due care and proper performance of his duties.
Furthermore, two officers have received substantial suspensions without pay. Lieutenant Commander Tristan Jener Erediano and Lieutenant Jason Pagbonocan, who respectively served as station commander and acting station commander of Coast Guard Station-Zamboanga, have been suspended for one year without compensation. Both officers have also been ordered to undergo mandatory retraining covering ship inspection standards, PDIT supervision protocols, and operational management procedures.
Final Sweep Confirms No Additional Victims
In related developments, the PCG Technical Diving Group conducted a final re-sweep of the sunken vessel near Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan on Thursday, February 26. Five technical wreck divers thoroughly inspected all accessible compartments and structural sections of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3.
The CGDSWM confirmed that no additional trapped victims were discovered during this final underwater operation. Following their deep dive, the divers received hyperbaric oxygen treatment aboard BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) as part of standard post-dive medical protocols.
Official Casualty Figures and Ongoing Commitment
Based on joint validation conducted by multiple agencies including the Philippine National Police, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the CGDSWM, the PCG has recorded 65 fatalities, 293 survivors, and 14 individuals still missing from the January 26 incident.
Captain Noemie Cayabyab, PCG spokesperson, emphasized that "the Philippine Coast Guard does not tolerate violations of maritime safety standards" and committed to strengthening inspection procedures and personnel training to ensure public safety moving forward. While underwater search operations have concluded, the PCG will continue patrolling the waters and coordinating with local fishermen to achieve justice for the victims and their families.
The ill-fated M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island while traveling from Zamboanga City to Jolo, Sulu on January 26. This disciplinary action represents the coast guard's commitment to accountability and improved maritime safety standards following one of the region's recent maritime tragedies.
