AKBAYAN Partylist Representative Dadah Kiram Ismula today demanded urgent government intervention into the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which has left 18 dead and 24 still missing off the coast of Basilan.
Ismula expressed her “deepest grief and rage” over the tragedy, noting that the vessel is owned by Aleson Shipping Lines—the same company involved in the 2023 Lady Mary Joy 3 fire that claimed 31 lives on a nearly identical route.
“Nakakadurog ng puso na muling dumanas ng ganitong trahedya ang ating mga kababayan sa dagat. Kailangan ng agarang polisiya para masiguro ang kaligtasan ng ating mga pasahero,” Ismula said.
“Kailangan magpaliwanag ang Department of Transportation (DOTr) kung paano nakalusot ito sa safety standards nila. Hindi maaaring hayaang magpatuloy ang ganitong sistema kung saan buhay ng mahihirap nating kababayan ang laging nakataya,” Rep. Ismula added.
Ismula also urged the national government to reinforce the rescue teams in Isabela City and called for more medical and psychological support for the 317 survivors.
“Higit sa tulong-pinansyal ang kailangan para burahin ang trauma at sakit ng mga pamilyang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay. Ang kailangan nila ay hustisya at kasiguruhan na hindi na ito mauulit sa iba,” Ismula added.
