THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) will file administrative and criminal charges against Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc., erring Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel over the Basilan ferry mishap that claimed the lives of 52 passengers, crew, and a PCG personnel. Eight MARINA and five PCG personnel have been relieved from duty.
Transportation Secretary Banoy Lopez said the DOTr is demanding accountability from both the shipping line and concerned government agencies, following the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Secretary Lopez assured the victims and their families that the DOTr, MARINA, and PCG will personally oversee the case, emphasizing the President’s instruction for swift justice.
Secretary Lopez lamented that the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was allowed to sail despite glaring safety deficiencies, including passenger capacity certification, drydock/repair compliance, and seaworthiness certification.
MARINA investigators found overloading of passengers and cargo, non-utilization of the weigh bridge at the Global Port Zamboanga Terminal Inc., and inconsistencies between the passenger manifest and the actual number of passengers on board. Secretary Lopez questioned why the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 was given a safety certificate and allowed to sail despite these violations, and why Aleson Shipping Lines continues to have repeated incidents.
Secretary Lopez has ordered the relief from duty of eight MARINA personnel, including the Zamboanga Regional Director, and five PCG personnel who conducted pre-departure inspections, as well as the Zamboanga Station Commander for command responsibility.
MARINA has been directed to file administrative charges against MARINA Zamboanga Regional Director Engr. Jedini Nur Sibal, MARINA Shipping Operations Specialist Engr. Bevin Bibi, and MARINA Shipbuilding Specialist II Jose Ray Quimiguing for neglect of duty. Secretary Lopez stated that criminal cases for possible violations of RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, will be filed if the administrative cases reveal severe negligence.
The transport chief said the DOTr, MARINA, and PCG will hold even their own personnel accountable. A Department Order will be issued for risk-based categorization of ships and routes to ensure strict passenger and vessel safety. Life vests must be placed under ship seats, and the availability of inflatable life racks must be ensured. Secretary Lopez noted that these are short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures, and more policies will be issued on enforcement.
