Heroic PCG crew recovered

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday confirmed the recovery of Seaman First Class Alkhaizar Q. Hadjail, a PCG personnel who died while performing his duty during the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan waters.

“The PCG extends its deepest sympathies to the family of SN1 Hadjail, whose body was recovered on February 1 amid ongoing search and rescue (SAR) operations following the ferry sinking,” the Coast Guard said. 

SN1 Hadjail is among 40 confirmed fatalities, while 316 survivors remain stabilized in hospitals and relief centers.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab highlighted Hadjail’s heroism during the disaster. “Survivors reported that, while the vessel was in distress, he assisted passengers and directed them on what to do to stay safe,” she said. The Coast Guard also clarified that Hadjail’s family, including his spouse and brother, had been consistently updated throughout the SAR operations. CGIF Commander Captain Alvin Dagalea personally visited the family to offer support.

The PCG continues to search for the remaining 10 to 40 missing individuals, including the ferry captain, eight crew members, and a PCG marshal. Due to challenging currents and low visibility near Baluk-Baluk Island in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan, the Coast Guard shifted from remote-operated vehicles (ROVs) to multi-beam echo sounder sonar systems, which emit pulses to create detailed 3D maps of the ocean floor. Divers from the PCG Technical Diving Group, Philippine Navy assets, and local fisherfolk are jointly conducting underwater SAR operations, with safety protocols in place amid reported shark sightings.

Investigations by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) have revealed potential safety violations, including overloading and insufficient life vests. Reports suggest the ferry may have carried “off-books” passengers exceeding its 359-person capacity, raising questions about the vessel’s stability. 

Marina is also reviewing the passenger manifest, which contains discrepancies, and notes that the ferry was a replacement for another scheduled vessel on 29 January.

The tragedy has also sparked scrutiny over Zamboanga City Mayor Khymer Adan Olaso, whose wife, Mary Joy A. Tan-Olaso, holds a 24.75 percent equity stake in Aleson Shipping Lines, the company that operates the ill-fated MV Trisha Kerstin 3. 

Mayor Olaso, a former ship captain and former operations manager at Aleson, denied any involvement in current company operations and emphasized his impartial role in coordinating relief efforts. 

Critics, including Sulu 1st District Rep. Samier Tan, have called for criminal investigations into Aleson’s leadership.