Ombudsman, DOJ probe of Basilan ferry disaster sought
A congressional panel on Monday approved its report on the January sinking of an interisland ferry off Basilan that left 65 people dead, referring the findings to the Office of the Ombudsman and the Department of Justice for possible case buildup.
The 33-page draft report prepared and approved by the House of Representatives Committee on Transportation also recommended that authorities conduct “safety, seaworthiness and compliance audits” of vessels owned by Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc., whose operations have been suspended following the tragedy.
The panel referred its report “for investigation on the possible filing of criminal, civil and administrative cases against responsible public officials and private entities whose negligence or misconduct” may have contributed to the sinking of MV Trisha Kerstin 3, House Committee on Transportation Secretary John Francis Panoncillo said.
The ship, which was en route to Jolo after departing from Zamboanga province, capsized on Jan. 26. Investigators linked the incident to overloading, improper cargo handling and structural weaknesses in the vessel, compounded by unchecked regulatory and compliance lapses.
Fines
The Maritime Industry Authority has imposed more than P2.9 million in fines on Aleson Shipping Lines, citing violations such as sailing outside prescribed periods, carrying passengers and cargo beyond capacity and failing to meet safety standards, according to the agency’s May 5 decision cited in the unnumbered committee report.
Survivors told the panel in February that life jackets aboard the three-deck ferry were locked away, damaged or lacked whistles, while the vessel was already tilting before departing for Jolo.
“What is most alarming is the blatant and deliberate disregard of safety requirements established to safeguard the voyage,” the report said.
