Basilan: The Department of Social Welfare and Development's (DSWD) Field Office 9 (FO Zamboanga Peninsula) has provided ready-to-eat food (RTEF) boxes and psychosocial support to 137 survivors of the capsized M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in Basilan. DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Monday directed FO-9 Regional Director Riduan Hajimuddin to continue assessing the situation and prepare for additional aid, including medical assistance for injured passengers and burial support for bereaved families.

According to Philippines News Agency, Gatchalian also ordered Riduan to ready the DSWD's financial assistance alongside the ongoing psychosocial intervention for the rescued passengers. "The DSWD, through our Field Office 9, continues to closely monitor the maritime incident involving M/V Trisha Kerstin 3. As part of our immediate response, the 137 rescued individuals are being provided with Ready-to-Eat Food (RTEF) through the City Social Welfare and Development Office of Isabela City, Basilan to meet their urgent needs," the DSWD chief said in a social media post.

"Our Quick Response Team (QRT) is on the ground, assisting in assessing and profiling affected families. The DSWD remains ready to provide additional relief and support in coordination with other responding agencies," he added. The MV Trisha Kerstin 3, which departed the Port of Zamboanga City with more than 300 passengers and crew members, sank at around 1 a.m., approximately 2.75 nautical miles northeast of Baluk-Baluk Island, Basilan while en route to Jolo, Sulu.

According to reports from the city government of Isabela, the Philippine Coast Guard recorded 223 survivors currently staying at the Isabela City Port in Basilan. At least 23 individuals were transported to the Basilan Medical Center for medical treatment. Authorities said at least 15 people have been confirmed dead and 28 are still missing.

The DSWD said its field office in the Zamboanga Peninsula remains on heightened alert as it continues to closely coordinate with partner agencies to ensure the timely delivery of assistance to all affected.