Basilan: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), through its regional office in Zamboanga Peninsula, has extended financial aid to the rescued passengers of the capsized M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan.

According to Philippines News Agency, about 134 rescued passengers received medical assistance worth PHP5,000 each, while two bereaved families received PHP10,000 in burial aid under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS). The DSWD also distributed ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes to ensure that families temporarily staying at the Isabela City Port have enough food. This initiative was confirmed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian in a Facebook post.

The DSWD continues to provide psychosocial support and coordinates closely with the Basilan local government unit (LGU) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to thoroughly monitor the situation. The objective is to ensure that those affected receive needed assistance until they recover and return home safely. Within 24 hours of the incident, the DSWD distributed 137 halal-certified RTEFs and deployed social workers to Zamboanga and Isabela Ports for stress debriefing and assessment of survivors.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also deployed personnel and resources in support of search and rescue operations for the missing passengers. Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that commanders of territorial units in coastal areas have been alerted to intensify monitoring in collaboration with local residents and officials.

As of Monday night, 24 individuals were still missing, 18 were confirmed dead, and 317 others were rescued. The ship had 332 passengers and 277 crew members when it left Zamboanga City for Jolo, Sulu, on Sunday night, before taking on water and sinking early Monday.

The PNP has pledged to assist in the investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident. Coordination is ongoing with the PCG and other agencies for search and rescue operations as well as for the investigation. Police personnel in the area have been directed to extend assistance to the rescued passengers, including providing transportation to their homes if necessary.