The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is providing food and psychological support to survivors of the ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which sank off the coast of Basilan early Monday.

DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian directed the agency’s Zamboanga Peninsula field office to provide ready-to-eat food boxes and mental health interventions for 137 passengers initially profiled by social workers.

The rescuees are currently receiving aid through the Isabela City Social Welfare and Development Office.

To recall, the vessel, operated by Aleson Shipping, encountered trouble approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island around 1 a.m. Monday.

The ferry had departed Zamboanga City at 9:20 p.m. Sunday en route to Jolo, Sulu, carrying more than 300 passengers and crew.

“Our Quick Response Team is on the ground, assisting in assessing and profiling affected families,” Gatchalian said.

Regional director Riduan Hajimuddin has been ordered to prepare financial assistance, medical aid for the injured, and burial support for the families of those who died at sea.

While the DSWD is currently assisting 137 individuals, records from the Isabela City government and the Philippine Coast Guard show a total of 223 survivors at the Isabela City Port.

At least 23 people were transported to the Basilan Medical Center for treatment.

The agency remains on heightened alert and is coordinating with local government units to monitor the ongoing search and rescue operations and address the immediate needs of the survivors.