Gov't files charges over Basilan ferry tragedy

Passengers and shipping operators will face tighter oversight following the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan, which left 52 dead, including passengers, crew, and a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel.

At a media briefing on Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said authorities will hold Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc. and government personnel accountable through administrative and possible criminal charges.

Lopez has ordered the relief of eight MARINA personnel, including the Zamboanga Regional Director, and six PCG personnel, including the Zamboanga Station Commander.

Administrative charges will be filed 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.

Lopez warned that if administrative hearings reveal gross negligence by officials, the Department of Transportation (DOTR) will not hesitate to pursue criminal cases under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019). 

“To our fellow citizens, especially to those who became victims of this tragedy, you can expect that the leadership of the Department of Transportation, as well as the PCG and MARINA, will personally focus on this case,” Lopez said.

Lopez also pointed out that the ferry was allowed to sail despite serious safety deficiencies, including issues with passenger capacity certification, drydock and repair compliance, and seaworthiness certification.

“Why was the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 allowed, or why was it given a safety certificate despite the safety deficiencies found? Why was the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 allowed to sail despite the safety violations on that day? Why does Aleson Shipping Lines keep repeating these kinds of incidents? What did they do to fix their shortcomings?” he asked.

MARINA investigators found overloading of passengers and cargo, non-utilization of the weigh bridge at Global Port Zamboanga Terminal Inc., and discrepancies between the passenger manifest and the actual number of passengers on board.

To prevent the recurrence of such tragedies, Lopez said the DOTR will issue a Department Order introducing a risk-based categorization of ships and routes to strengthen passenger and vessel safety. 

Life vests will be required under seats, and inflatable life racks must be accessible at all times. 

He said these measures cover short-, medium-, and long-term improvements, with additional enforcement policies to follow, including stricter monitoring of passenger limits, cargo loading, and compliance with safety certifications.