Basilan: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recovered two more bodies on Friday, as the search for missing passengers of the sunken M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 continued in Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan. With the recovery, the confirmed number of passengers who died rose to 31. Commodore Rejard Marfe, commander of the Coast Guard District Southwestern Mindanao (CGDSWM), said the two bodies were recovered on Pilas Island in Hadji Muhtamad.
According to Philippines News Agency, Commodore Marfe stated, "Our search and rescue teams remain on site and are working tirelessly. This is now the fifth day of operations since the vessel sank on January 26." The M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 is part of the passenger vessel fleet of Aleson Shipping Lines, based in Zamboanga City. The vessel sank some 2.75 nautical miles northeast off Baluk-Baluk Island, Hadji Muhtamad, Basilan while en route to Jolo, Sulu from Zamboanga City.
On Friday, the PCG launched a 'Libreng Sakay' (free ride) program for passengers traveling between Zamboanga City and Lamitan City via Isabela City to mitigate the impact of the grounding of the entire Aleson passenger fleet since Jan. 27. PCG-Zamboanga deployed the BRP-Capones (MRRV 4404) to ferry passengers, prioritizing senior citizens, persons with disabilities, expectant women, and children. "The registration of passengers is conducted at the Coast Guard Station-Zamboanga," the PCG said in a statement. "Registered passengers will be transported via PCG rescue truck to the designated PCG vessel." The PCG advised passengers to bring a valid identification card or other identification documents for verification.
Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) announced that M/V Rebecca of the Montenegro Shipping Lines will temporarily serve the Zamboanga City-Lamitan City route in place of the suspended passenger fleet. Lamitan City, one of Basilan's major trading centers, was adversely affected by the suspension order since Aleson is the only firm serving the area. M/V Rebecca, which has a 522-passenger capacity, arrived Friday in Zamboanga City.
