San juan city: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) are preparing to file administrative and criminal charges against Aleson Shipping Line (ASL) alongside several government officials and personnel. This follows the sinking of the passenger ferry M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 in the waters of Basilan.

According to Philippines News Agency, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, during a press conference at the DOTr office, underscored the necessity for accountability. This move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive for swift justice. Lopez highlighted that the ferry sailed despite evident safety shortcomings in its certification for passenger capacity, drydock/repair compliance, and seaworthiness.

MARINA investigators identified several issues, including overloading of passengers and cargo, failure to use the weigh bridge at Global Port Zamboanga Terminal, Inc. by rolling cargoes and private vehicles, and discrepancies between the passenger manifest and the actual number of passengers onboard. Lopez questioned the rationale behind issuing a safety certificate to the ferry despite these deficiencies and the recurring involvement of ASL in similar incidents.

In response, Lopez has relieved several government personnel from their duties, including eight from MARINA, five from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) involved in the pre-departure inspection, and the commander of the PCG Zamboanga Station. Administrative charges are set to be filed against MARINA's Zamboanga regional head, Jedini Nur Sibal, shipping operations specialist Bevin Bibi, and shipbuilding specialist Jose Ray Quimiguing for neglect of duty. Lopez warned of potential criminal charges under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act if grave neglect is proven.

To prevent future occurrences, the DOTr plans to implement risk-based categorization of ships and routes. Life vests will be mandated under the ships' seats to ensure accessibility. Lopez outlined plans for short-, medium-, and long-term measures and mentioned that further enforcement policies will be introduced.

The PCG has also updated the figures related to the tragedy, confirming 293 survivors, a decrease from the previously reported 316, and an increase in confirmed deaths to 52 following the discovery of another body. PCG spokesperson, Capt. Noemie Cayabyab, explained that the revision accounts for verified passenger identities, including both listed and unlisted survivors, and crew members.