MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to file criminal and administrative charges against Aleson Shipping Lines and several government personnel following the sinking of the MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which left 52 people dead off the coast of Basilan.
In a press conference, Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez announced that the move comes as a direct order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure “swift justice” for the victims, which included passengers, crew, and a Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officer.
Lopez also ordered the immediate relief of eight personnel from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and six from the Philippine Coast Guard. Among those removed from their posts include MARINA Zamboanga Regional Director Engr. Jedini Nur Sibal, MARINA Shipping Operations Specialist Engr. Bevin Bibi, MARINA Shipbuilding Specialist II Jose Ray Quimiguinghe, PCG Zamboanga Station Commander (for command responsibility), and five PCG personnel who conducted the pre-departure inspection.
“If the administrative hearings reveal gross negligence, we will not hesitate to file criminal cases for possible violations of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” Lopez said.
Investigations revealed “glaring safety deficiencies” that should have prevented the vessel from sailing. According to MARINA investigators, the ferry suffered from overloading of both passengers and cargo, manifest inconsistencies, where there was a significant discrepancy between the official manifest and the actual number of people on board, compliance failure or non-utilization of weigh bridges for vehicles and cargo at the Zamboanga Terminal, and certification issues, where there were noted deficiencies in drydock repair compliance and seaworthiness.
“Why was MV Trisha Kerstin 3 given a safety certificate despite these deficiencies? Why was it allowed to sail that day?,” Lopez questioned, noting that Aleson Shipping Lines has a history of similar maritime incidents.
To prevent a recurrence of the tragedy, the DOTr will issue a Department Order implementing a risk-based categorization for ships and routes.
New safety mandates will also require life vests to be stored directly under passenger seats for immediate access and ensure that inflatable life rafts are available and functional at all times.
“These are the changes we are implementing—short, medium, and long-term,” Lopez pointed out. “We will continue to release policies to ensure strict enforcement of maritime safety.”