Sulu leads psychological recovery for M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 tragedy survivors
‘The loss suffered by the families demands not just immediate aid but sustained psychological support to rebuild lives.’
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‘The loss suffered by the families demands not just immediate aid but sustained psychological support to rebuild lives.’
Share
MAIMBUNG, Sulu — Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur M. Tan joined survivors and grieving families Monday for the conclusion of a specialized three-day psychological recovery program following the sinking of the M/V Trisha Kerstin 3.
The Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) program, hosted by the municipal government of Maimbung at the Municipal Hall, ran from Saturday through 23 February. The initiative aimed to mitigate acute stress and prevent chronic post-traumatic stress disorder among those affected by the maritime disaster.
As of Sunday, the death toll from the sinking has risen to 65. Authorities have recorded 293 survivors, while 14 individuals remain missing. Divers continue search and retrieval operations at the wreck site in Basilan waters.
“As your vice governor, my role extends beyond governance — it’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who endure unimaginable hardships,” Tan said during the sessions. “The loss suffered by the families demands not just immediate aid but sustained psychological support to rebuild lives.”
The program was conducted by a specialized medical team from the Zamboanga City Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry, led by psychiatrist Dr. Sheila May D. Aduviso. The team included psychiatrists, psychologists and social workers who used evidence-based techniques to help families and traumatized crew members process the tragedy.
Aduviso credited Tan’s advocacy for securing the resources necessary to implement the debriefing. In turn, Tan praised the medical team for “transforming despair into empowerment” through their psychometric assessments and social work.
Sulu’s geography along major shipping routes exposes its communities to frequent maritime risks. Tan cited that the Maimbung initiative serves as a model for inter-agency collaboration and a proactive strategy against the psychological fallout of such disasters.
