Philippines Fires 14 Officials And Files Criminal Charges After Ferry Sinking Kills 52

The Philippine government has removed 14 officials and is preparing administrative and possible criminal charges against Aleson Shipping Lines (ASL) following the sinking of passenger ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan waters.

The disaster has resulted in 52 confirmed deaths and 27 people still missing.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) reported that the vessel was overloaded during its casualty voyage and had sailed despite serious safety deficiencies, including issues with passenger capacity certification, drydocking and repair compliance, and seaworthiness certification.

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez stated that the dismissals and legal actions followed the instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who emphasised the need for swift accountability.

Eight MARINA personnel, including the Zamboanga regional director, and five Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officers who conducted the vessel’s pre-departure inspection were removed. The PCG Zamboanga Station commander was also relieved from his post.

MARINA has been directed to file administrative charges against Zamboanga regional head Jedini Nur Sibal, shipping operations specialist Bevin Bibi, and shipbuilding specialist Jose Ray Quimiguing for alleged neglect of duty.

The DOTr indicated that if the officials are found to have committed grave neglect in administrative proceedings, criminal cases could be filed under Republic Act 3019, also known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

MARINA has been ordered to open an administrative case against ASL and to evaluate whether the company should continue operating on the route. The agency is also reviewing the role of surviving crewmembers in the incident.

The inquiry revealed that the ferry had been allowed to sail despite safety violations.

Investigators identified multiple operational lapses, including overloading of passengers and cargo, failure to use the weigh bridge at Global Port Zamboanga Terminal for vehicles and rolling cargo, and discrepancies between the passenger manifest and the actual number of people on board.

The PCG has revised the number of survivors to 293 from an earlier report of 316. The update followed verification of passenger identities, which included individuals who survived but were not listed, as well as declared and undeclared crew members.

The confirmed death toll rose to 52 after divers recovered an additional body. Twenty-seven individuals remain missing, including six recovered bodies that have yet to be identified. Authorities estimate that 372 people were on board during the casualty voyage.

The DOTr is set to issue a department order introducing risk-based categorisation of ships and routes to strengthen vessel and passenger safety. Life jackets have also been ordered to be placed under passenger seats for immediate access.

Reference: PNA

Source: Maritime Shipping News