DSWD provides food, psychosocial aid to MV Trisha Kerstin 3 survivors
The DSWD extends ready-to-eat food and psychosocial support to survivors of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan, as authorities continue assessments and prepare additional assistance.
Photo courtesy of DSWD/Facebook
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) reported that its Field Office 9 (FO-9) in the Zamboanga Peninsula has provided ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes and psychosocial support to 137 survivors of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan.
DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday directed FO-9 to continue assessing the situation and prepare for additional assistance, including medical aid for injured passengers and burial support for families who lost loved ones in the maritime incident.
The DSWD chief also ordered FO-9 Regional Director Riduan Hajimuddin to prepare the agency’s financial assistance, alongside ongoing psychosocial interventions for the rescued passengers.
“The DSWD, through our Field Office 9, continues to closely monitor the maritime incident involving MV Trisha Kerstin 3. As part of our immediate response, the 137 rescued individuals are being provided with ready-to-eat food (RTEF) through the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Isabela City, Basilan, to meet their urgent needs,” Gatchalian said in a social media post.
The incident occurred at around 1:00 a.m. when MV Trisha Kerstin 3, operated by Aleson Shipping, encountered trouble approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island in Basilan. Following the incident, the agency mobilized its social workers to assist the rescued passengers after the vessel sank while en route to Jolo, Sulu.
The DSWD cited official records showing that the vessel departed the Port of Zamboanga City at around 9:20 p.m. on Sunday, carrying more than 300 passengers and crew members.
“Our Quick Response Team (QRT) is on the ground, assisting in the assessment and profiling of affected families. The DSWD remains ready to provide additional relief and support in coordination with other responding agencies,” the secretary said.
According to reports from the City Government of Isabela, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recorded 223 survivors currently staying at the Isabela City Port in Basilan. At least 23 individuals were transported to the Basilan Medical Center for medical treatment.
The DSWD said FO-9 is closely coordinating with concerned local government units and remains on heightened alert to ensure the immediate needs of affected individuals are addressed.